Soups
Fresh Yam, Goji Berry, Dried Cuttlefish & Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally associated with nourishing blood, supporting yin, strengthening the spleen, and benefiting women with deficiency-type anaemia or excess vaginal discharge
Why people make this soup
Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) contains mucin proteins that are associated with moistening the skin, protecting the stomach lining, moderating blood sugar, and supporting cardiovascular health. The slender iron-stick variety (tie gun huai shan) is prized for stir-frying because of its silkier texture, while the larger, wider varieties hold up beautifully in long-simmered soups. For women who feel physically depleted, pale, and tired — particularly those dealing with irregular or heavy vaginal discharge — dried cuttlefish is a traditional pairing with yam. In Chinese food therapy, dried cuttlefish is credited with nourishing yin, tonifying blood, strengthening the heart, regulating qi, and supporting women through blood-deficiency conditions including amenorrhoea, excess discharge, and postpartum insufficient lactation. This soup brings all of that together in a naturally delicious, easy-to-make pot.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family — adults, elderly, and children.
- Particularly recommended for women experiencing deficiency-type anaemia, fatigue, pale complexion, or excessive vaginal discharge.
- Those who prefer a lighter version can substitute dried cuttlefish with dried squid (zhang yu), which works equally well.
- Post-surgical gynaecological cancer patients: dried cuttlefish is classified as a “reactive” (fa wu) food in Chinese food therapy, meaning it may promote inflammatory activity. Within the first few months after surgery, it is best avoided. Consult your oncologist before including it.
- For active blood deficiency (iron-deficiency anaemia with very low haemoglobin), seek medical assessment as well — food therapy supports but does not replace medical treatment for severe anaemia.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Rich in mucin proteins, amylase, and saponins. Traditionally tonifies spleen, lung, and kidney; nourishes yin; and is associated with moderating blood sugar and protecting the gastric mucosa. Its dietary fibre also promotes satiety — so this soup is both nourishing and filling.
- Dried cuttlefish (mo yu gan): A classic blood-nourishing ingredient in Chinese food therapy. Traditionally nourishes yin and blood, supports the heart, regulates qi, and benefits women with blood-related gynaecological concerns.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver and kidney, support vision, and add natural sweetness and carotenoids to the soup.
- Red dates (hong zao): Gently tonify qi and blood; add flavour and natural sweetness.
- Carrot: Adds beta-carotene, colour, and natural sweetness; traditionally associated with liver and eye health.
- Pork shin (zhu zhan): Lean and collagen-rich; makes the broth milky and nourishing without excessive fat.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 4 liang (~150 g) | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Goji berries | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinsed |
| Pitted red dates | 5 pieces | |
| Pork shin | 1 piece (~300–400 g) | Cut into chunks, blanched |
| Dried cuttlefish | 1 whole (~60–80 g) | Blanched with the pork shin |
Method
- Peel and cut the fresh yam and carrot into chunks.
- Remove the pits from the red dates; rinse the goji berries.
- Cut the pork shin into chunks. Blanch the pork shin and dried cuttlefish together in boiling water for a few minutes; drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Serve and eat both the soup and the solid ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is delicious and suitable for the whole family. Fresh Chinese yam not only provides rich nutrition but is also high in dietary fibre, which makes it filling and may support weight management alongside its blood-nourishing effects. Eating the solid ingredients — yam, carrot, red dates, goji berries — is as important as drinking the broth. Dried squid can be substituted for the cuttlefish with similar benefit.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (殷妈): I have iron-deficiency anaemia and my doctor says I have a thick uterine lining causing heavy periods. He has asked me not to eat supplements or Chinese herbs. Can I still use everyday soup ingredients like goji berries, red dates, astragalus, and yam? Bro Niu: You can simmer red beans (1 liang), skin-on peanuts (2 liang), and goji berries (3 qian) into a soup and drink it daily for two weeks to help support blood building. Sang ji sheng (mulberry mistletoe) with eucommia bark and pork shin soup is also suitable for you. Chestnuts are a good addition.
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Q (匿名): My patient has early-stage uterine endometrial cancer and has had a hysterectomy. Can she drink this soup? Bro Niu: After surgery she can drink this soup, but it would be best to leave out the dried cuttlefish — it is a reactive food (fa wu) that can promote inflammation, so it is better avoided in this case.
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Q (Karen): Can I substitute dried squid (zhang yu) for the cuttlefish in this recipe? Bro Niu: Yes, dried squid can be used as a substitute.
Published March 11, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
