Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Carrot, Chestnut and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, nourish the kidneys and support healthy aging
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu often hosts food-therapy talks at senior centers, where many guests are in their eighties and nineties and still eager to learn — which he finds wonderful. Aging is unavoidable, but living long is most meaningful when the body stays well and the mind stays sharp. Alongside staying active, good eating matters, and this tasty, nourishing soup is a gentle favorite for supporting healthy aging.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Older adults and anyone wanting a sweet, gentle, everyday soup to strengthen the spleen and support the kidneys.
- Mild and broadly suitable for young and old. As with any tonic soup, enjoy as part of a balanced diet.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach and support the kidneys.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Sweet and rich in carotenes, adding natural sweetness and nourishment.
- Chestnuts (li zi): Traditionally associated with supporting the kidneys and strengthening the legs.
- Red dates and ginger: Warm the soup and traditionally nourish the blood and harmonize the stomach.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 1 length | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Carrots | 2 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Chestnuts | 8 | Peeled |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Cut and blanched |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and cut into chunks; peel and chunk the carrots; peel the chestnuts; pit the red dates.
- Cut the lean pork into pieces and blanch.
- Combine all ingredients with 8 bowls of water and cook for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
When peeling fresh yam, wear gloves — the sap can sting and itch the skin. Alternatively, blanch the rinsed yam briefly in boiling water before peeling to avoid irritation. This soup is sweet and tasty, suitable for young and old.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Karen): Can I add snow fungus to ginger-date tea? The weather is hot but I want to drive out stomach cold. Bro Niu: Yes, you can cook ginger-date tea with snow fungus and rock sugar together.
- Q (Shirley): My one-year-old had a cold; fever is gone after Western medicine but there’s still green mucus, phlegm and coughing. What can I make? Bro Niu: Cook ~2 liang fresh houttuynia, ~1 liang sweet-and-bitter apricot kernels and 4 figs with lean pork for 20 minutes — the whole family can drink it. It helps clear heat and ease phlegm and cough. Take 2 batches.
Published June 30, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
