Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Snow Fungus, Water Chestnut and Pork Shin Soup
traditionally used to clear internal heat, moisten the lungs, and nourish the skin
Why people make this soup
In Cantonese food-therapy thinking, a “yin-deficient” constitution is one that tends toward dryness and internal warmth. People in this category often notice dry mouth, restless sleep, a feeling of heat in the palms and soles, or skin and hair that feel parched. Rather than reaching for cooling medications, grandmothers across southern China have long simmered soups like this one — combining moistening vegetables and herbs to gently replenish what the body feels it is lacking. This soup is also lovely for anyone who simply wants something soothing and hydrating on a dry winter day.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to adults and children with a tendency toward dryness: dry throat, warm palms, restless sleep, or dull and brittle hair
- Fine for the whole family as an everyday nourishing soup — elderly and young alike
- Those with a very cold constitution (always cold hands and feet, loose stools) should use this soup sparingly, as several ingredients lean cooling
- If you have an active cold or flu with chills, wait until you have recovered before drinking this
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): A classic spleen-nourishing ingredient that is also considered gently moistening and strengthening for the lungs and kidneys in traditional use
- Snow fungus (xue er): Often called “the poor person’s bird’s nest,” snow fungus is prized in Chinese cooking for its silky texture and its traditionally moistening effect on the lungs and skin
- Water chestnut (ma ti): Cooling and slightly sweet; traditionally said to help clear heat from the stomach and support fluid balance in the body
- Ophiopogon root (mai dong): A gentle yin-nourishing herb used to ease dryness in the throat and lungs and support restful sleep
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Mildly sweet and nutritionally rich; associated with supporting liver and kidney health, and commonly added to soups to benefit the eyes and complexion
- Pork shin (zhu zhan): Provides body to the broth and is a lean, collagen-rich cut favored in Cantonese soups
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) | ~115 g (3 liang) | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Water chestnuts (ma ti) | 6 pieces | Peel and rinse |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~7 g (2 qian) | Soak until fully expanded |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse briefly |
| Ophiopogon root (mai dong) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | 1 piece (~400 g) | Blanch in boiling water first |
Method
- Peel the fresh Chinese yam and water chestnuts, rinse them, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Blanch the pork shin in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Rinse the goji berries and ophiopogon root; soak in cool water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Soak the snow fungus until fully rehydrated and soft, then cut away the tough base and tear into smaller pieces.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls (about 2 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 2 hours.
- Serve the soup and eat the solids together — the yam, water chestnuts, and snow fungus are all enjoyable to eat.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a gentle, nourishing soup that is suitable for the whole family and can be enjoyed regularly. If you have a yin-deficient constitution, try to avoid deeply spicy, fried, or roasted foods, as these tend to worsen dryness. However, very bitter and cold foods — such as aloe vera or icy fruit — are also worth being careful with, since excessive cold can cause its own kind of imbalance over time. A warm, moderate diet is the best approach.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Macy): I have a yin-deficient constitution. After every menstrual cycle I feel mentally foggy, unable to concentrate, anxious, and can’t sleep. Apart from this soup, is there anything else I can try? Bro Niu: You can try simmering a sweet soup or lean-pork broth using wheat berries (2 liang), prepared licorice root (zhi gan cao, 2 qian), poria with pine (fu shen, 5 qian), southern jujubes (nan zao, 6 pieces), and lily bulb (bai he, 1 liang). Cook for about 1.5 hours. It is best to also eat the wheat berries, jujubes, and lily — the whole family can drink this. It is traditionally used to calm the mind and support restful sleep. Aim for about 2 servings a week.
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Q (Amy): Can I substitute the ophiopogon root (mai dong) with dried figs? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use about 3 dried figs instead.
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Q (Anonymous): I have a lingering cold with dry, itchy nose, some light blood-tinged mucus, fatigue, dry mouth, and I keep getting warm easily. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: While your cold is still active, it is better to first clear it. Try half a monk fruit (luo han guo), 1 cored pear, and magnolia flower bud (xin yi hua, 3 qian) simmered in 4 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. Take 3 servings of that first. This soup can follow once your cold has passed.
Published December 31, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
