Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Fresh Yam, Goji and Snow Fungus Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood sugar and moistening dryness
Why people make this soup
I happened to spot fresh dendrobium at a Chinese herb shop — it can be juiced or steeped as tea, and is traditionally used to nourish yin, clear heat and moisten dryness. It has long been a herb associated with supporting healthy blood sugar. Pairing it with fresh Chinese yam and goji, plus moistening snow fungus, makes a soup that is gentle on the body and especially welcome in autumn and winter when skin, eyes and throat feel dry.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those wanting gentle support for blood sugar and for dryness of skin, eyes and throat; suitable for young and old, and traditionally said to be good for tired eyes.
- If you are managing diabetes, treat this as a supportive food only and keep working with your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): Traditionally used to nourish yin, clear heat and moisten dryness, and long associated with supporting healthy blood sugar.
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Traditionally valued in blood-sugar-friendly soups.
- Goji (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Snow fungus (xue er): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium | ~19 g | Or 11 g dried |
| Fresh Chinese yam | ~150 g | Peeled, cut |
| Goji (gou qi zi) | ~11 g | Rinse |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~11 g | Soaked, base trimmed |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanched |
| Water | 9 bowls | Reduced to 4 |
Method
- Wash the fresh dendrobium and cut into sections. Peel and chunk the fresh yam.
- Rinse the goji; soak the snow fungus and trim the base. Blanch the pork ribs.
- Add all ingredients to 9 bowls of water and simmer 1.5 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is light and moistening, suitable for young and old, and also good for those with weakening eyesight. If you can’t get fresh dendrobium, use about 11 g of the dried herb instead.
Published December 13, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
