Soups
Agaricus Mushroom, Adenophora and Polygonatum Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood sugar and liver function
Why people make this soup
I picked up a pack of Agaricus blazei mushrooms — they have a wonderfully clean fragrance, and the medium ones with a strong aroma are better than the biggest. This mushroom is traditionally valued for supporting the body broadly, and is often associated with healthy blood sugar, blood lipids and liver function. Here I pair it with adenophora, Solomon’s seal and goji into a soup that suits anyone wanting gentle support for blood sugar and a hard-working liver.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who want everyday support for blood sugar, blood lipids and liver health; also pleasant in dry weather for a dry, hot cough.
- Mushrooms are higher in purines, so those with gout should go easy.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Agaricus mushroom (ji song rong): Traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood sugar, blood lipids and liver function.
- Adenophora (sha shen): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs.
- Goji (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and support vitality.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agaricus mushroom | 6–8 pieces | Save the soaking water |
| Goji (gou qi zi) | ~7 g | Rinse |
| Adenophora (sha shen) | ~19 g | Rinse |
| Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) | ~19 g | Rinse |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Cut and blanched |
| Water | 8 bowls + soaking water | Reduced to 4 |
Method
- Soak and rinse the Agaricus mushroom, keeping the soaking water. Rinse the goji, adenophora and Solomon’s seal.
- Cut and blanch the pork.
- Add everything, including the mushroom soaking water, to 8 bowls of water and simmer 1 hour until reduced to about 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
A lot of the mushroom’s beneficial compounds dissolve into the soaking water, so use that water in the soup. The soup is light and fragrant and is also pleasant in dry weather for a dry, hot cough.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): Can I swap the lean pork for quail? Bro Niu: Quail nourishes the five organs — using quail is even better.
- Q (KAY): If I don’t have Solomon’s seal at home, what can I use instead? Bro Niu: If there’s no yu zhu, add about 11 g of snow fungus (xue er) instead.
- Q (玲): How many people does this serve? Bro Niu: About 3–4 servings.
Published November 26, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
