Fresh Yam, Goji Berry, Dried Cuttlefish & Pork Shin Soup

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.

Method

1. Peel and cut the fresh yam and carrot into chunks.
2. Remove the pits from the red dates; rinse the goji berries.
3. Cut the pork shin into chunks. Blanch the pork shin and dried cuttlefish together in boiling water for a few minutes; drain and rinse.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1.5 hours.
6. Serve and eat both the soup and the solid ingredients.

Nourilo’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.