Chinese Yam, Snow Ear Fungus, Apricot Kernel and Lily Bulb Soup

Why people make this soup

Even after testing negative for COVID-19, many people are left dealing with what is now commonly called “long COVID” — a cluster of ongoing symptoms including chronic cough, breathlessness, anxiety, poor sleep, brain fog, fatigue, and joint pain. Nourilo has seen many of these cases and is clear that Chinese medicine, when applied thoughtfully, can provide meaningful support alongside conventional care. This soup is one of the simplest tools in that recovery toolkit. The four ingredients have been used in Cantonese households for generations and together are traditionally associated with nourishing the lung qi, calming the digestive system, and easing respiratory discomfort. It is mild enough for children — and because it can be made savoury or sweet, even picky eaters tend to accept it.

Method

1. Soak all ingredients separately and rinse well.
2. Remove the tough base from the soaked snow ear fungus.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 1.2 L.
5. For a sweet version, add rock sugar in the last few minutes. For a savoury version, add lean pork or quail from the start and cook together.
6. Serve warm; eat the soup and the solids together.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup works well in both a sweet and savoury style — use rock sugar for a dessert soup, or cook with lean pork or quail for a proper meal soup. Both versions are suitable for the whole family, including children. Because children are generally more accepting of food-based remedies than medicines, this is a practical recovery soup for households with young ones.