Yam, Goji, Baby Abalone and Carrot Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo tells it like a little market story: passing a small supermarket, he saw a crowd of homemakers picking through carrots — five dollars 600 g, a real bargain — so he grabbed a few. Cut one open and you’ll often see a deep yellow core, a sign it’s packed with the carotene (pro-vitamin A) that’s so good for the eyes. Remembering some Australian baby abalone he’d bought, he soaked a few and put together this eye-friendly soup. The combination is traditionally said to strengthen the spleen, boost qi, nourish the liver and brighten the eyes — a comforting choice for anyone whose vision feels tired, dry or strained.

Method

1. Soak the baby abalone in warm water for about half a day, then remove the gut.
2. Rinse and soak the yam and goji berries.
3. Blanch the chicken breast in boiling water.
4. Put everything into a pot with 3 L of water and simmer about 3 hours, down to roughly 1.2 L. Ready to serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Besides nourishing the liver and supporting the eyes, this soup is also associated with a healthy complexion and anti-aging benefits. It’s tasty, neither cooling nor drying, so the whole family can enjoy it together.