Soups
Agaricus Mushroom, Chinese Yam and Quail Soup
Traditionally used to support immunity and replenish qi
Why people make this soup
Quail is nicknamed the “ginseng of animals”; in Chinese medicine it is considered sweet and neutral, traditionally used to replenish qi and clear damp-heat. Agaricus mushroom — the so-called “king of mushrooms” — is wonderfully fragrant and nutritious, and is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and specialty health food shops. Simmered with quail and fresh Chinese yam, the bowl is traditionally turned to for supporting immunity, with antioxidant and soothing reputation.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a gentle, restorative bowl; also valued for people watching the “three highs” and for those recovering after illness or surgery.
- Avoid while a cold or flu is still unresolved.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Agaricus mushroom (ji song rong): prized, fragrant mushroom traditionally associated with supporting immunity and antioxidant benefit.
- Quail (an chun): the “ginseng of animals,” traditionally used to replenish qi and clear damp-heat.
- Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and replenish qi.
- Red dates and ginger: traditionally used to nourish blood and warm the middle.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agaricus mushroom (ji song rong) | 6 | trim roots, halve |
| Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan) | 4 liang (~150 g) | peeled, cut |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 | pitted |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Quail (an chun), frozen | 3 | cleaned, blanched |
Method
- Trim a little off the mushroom stems, wash and halve. Peel and cut the fresh yam. Pit the red dates.
- Clean the quail and blanch.
- Combine everything with 8–9 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fragrant and tasty, suitable for all ages. It is also valued for people managing the “three highs,” and makes a gentle restorative for those recovering from illness or surgery. Just avoid it while a cold or flu is still unresolved.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Janey): Can I use dried Chinese yam and dried agaricus instead of fresh? Bro Niu: Yes — use 1 liang of dried Chinese yam and 5 qian of dried agaricus.
- Q (Yi-zai): I’m in New Zealand where quail is hard to find — can I use other meat? Bro Niu: Yes, use chicken or lean pork.
- Q (Cherry): My 96-year-old mum had a stroke and has trouble swallowing — what soft foods or soups suit a stroke patient? Bro Niu: Millet is gentlest on the spleen and stomach; cook Chinese yam, lotus seed and lily bulb into a millet congee and blend it smooth. Some health-food shops sell a “five-element vegetable soup” sachet (burdock, carrot, white radish, radish sprout and shiitake) that you can mix with thickener into a paste — please keep working with her doctors as well.
Published April 8, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
