Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Dendrobium, Lily Bulb and Mai Dong Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally used to nourish yin, generate fluids and support the body in autumn and winter
Why people make this soup
Yam, lotus seed and lily bulb are staples that many home cooks keep on hand, and the fresh versions — fresh yam, fresh lily bulb and fresh dendrobium — are widely available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online, lovely in both soup and stir-fries. In the autumn and winter, this clear, gently moistening pot is a comforting way to support the body when the air turns dry, helping ease a parched mouth, sluggish digestion and restless nights.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those with weak digestion, frequent late nights, a bitter or dry mouth, or who feel run down in the dry season.
- People with a cold, weak spleen and stomach should not eat too much of it.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): traditionally supports the spleen, nourishes deficiency and generates fluids.
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): traditionally nourishes yin, clears heat, benefits the stomach and the eyes.
- Fresh lily bulb (xian bai he): traditionally calms the heart-mind, moistens the lung and eases the bowels.
- Mai dong (mai dong): traditionally clears restlessness, moistens the lung and supports the stomach.
- Red dates (hong zao): traditionally support the spleen and nourish the blood.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh yam (xian huai shan) | ~150 g | Peel, cut into sections |
| Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu) | ~38 g | Rinse, cut into sections |
| Fresh lily bulb (xian bai he) | 1 bulb | Separate the scales, rinse |
| Mai dong (mai dong) | ~19 g | Soak and rinse |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 | Pitted |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | 1 piece | Cut into chunks, blanch |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and cut into sections; rinse and cut the dendrobium; separate and wash the lily bulb scales; soak and rinse the mai dong; pit the red dates.
- Cut the pork shin into chunks and blanch.
- Combine everything with 8 bowls of water and simmer for about 1.5 hours down to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
The soup is clear, moistening and tasty — good for young and old. It is especially helpful for those with weak digestion, frequent late nights or low energy. But if your spleen and stomach run cold, do not overdo it.
Published November 11, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
