Nourilo

Soups

Fresh Dendrobium, Sand Root and Solomon's Seal Soup with Lean Pork

Traditionally nourishes yin and moistens dryness

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
3 hr
Total
3 hr 20 min
Makes
600–900 ml
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Fresh Dendrobium, Sand Root and Solomon's Seal Soup with Lean Pork

Why people make this soup

Nourilo often points out that people who are run-down can feel worse, not better, when they take strong tonics like ginseng or deer antler — the body is too depleted to “receive” them and ends up feeling overheated. This soup takes the gentler road instead: clearing heat, nourishing yin, settling the stomach and easing thirst. It is a comforting, everyday bowl rather than a heavy tonic.

Method

  1. Rinse the fresh dendrobium and cut into segments.
  2. Slice the lean pork, then blanch it briefly in boiling water and drain.
  3. Rinse and soak the remaining ingredients.
  4. Place everything in a double-boiler pot, add 900 ml of boiling water, and double-boil (steam) for 3 hours.
  5. Serve the soup together with the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This can be double-boiled or simmered on the stove. The double-boiled version is clearer and gentler — better for people recovering from surgery or illness. Women recovering after childbirth, and those with a dry throat after radiation or chemotherapy, may also find it soothing. If you prefer the stovetop method for 2–3 people, simmer this amount in about 2.1 L of water for roughly 90 minutes down to 900 ml.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this soup traditionally made for?

It is commonly chosen by people who feel weak after illness, surgery, or radiation and chemotherapy. Women recovering after childbirth may also find it soothing, as may anyone experiencing a dry throat or general run-down feelings.

Why is this soup considered gentler than stronger tonics like ginseng?

According to Nourilo, people who are very depleted can feel overheated if they take strong tonics, because the body is too depleted to receive them. This soup takes a gentler road instead — traditionally used to clear heat, nourish yin, settle the stomach, and ease thirst rather than acting as a heavy tonic.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this soup?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and double-boiling takes 3 hours, for a total of around 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you prefer the stovetop method for 2–3 people, you can simmer the same amount of ingredients in about 2.1 litres of water for roughly 90 minutes until reduced to 900 ml.

How much soup does this recipe yield?

The recipe yields approximately 600–900 ml of soup, served together with the cooked ingredients.

What is the difference between the double-boiled and stovetop versions?

The double-boiled version produces a clearer and gentler soup, which the recipe notes is better suited for people recovering from surgery or illness. The stovetop version is a practical alternative for 2–3 people and produces a similar quantity when simmered down from 2.1 litres to around 900 ml.

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