Soups
Chinese Yam and Lotus Seed Fresh Fish Soup
Traditionally used to support a child's spleen and appetite
Why people make this soup
When little ones look pale, run thin, tire easily and have loose tummies, Cantonese families often reach for a simple yam-and-lotus-seed soup. Bro Niu spotted fresh small sea fish at the market that morning — the kind that cook up into a beautifully sweet broth — and paired them with Chinese yam, lotus seeds, ginger and red dates. It is the sort of pot the whole family can share, traditionally said to settle the digestion and lift the spirits.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children (and adults) with a weak spleen and stomach: poor appetite, pale complexion, sluggishness, bloating or loose stools.
- This is a very mild, everyday soup — the whole family can drink it.
- If a child is running a fever or fighting an acute cold, treat the illness first; please see a doctor for high or persistent fever.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach and support digestion.
- Lotus seed (lian zi): associated in tradition with calming the spirit and firming a loose digestion.
- Small sea fish: rich, nourishing and easy on a delicate stomach.
- Ginger and red dates (sheng jiang, hong zao): warm the middle and round out the flavour.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g | rinsed |
| Lotus seeds (lian zi) | ~75 g fresh or ~38 g dried | rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates (jujube) | 6–8 | |
| Fresh small sea fish | ~600 g | cleaned and gutted |
Method
- Clean and rinse the fish. Pan-fry in a little oil until fragrant and golden, then place into a soup (muslin) bag.
- Rinse the yam, lotus seeds and red dates.
- Put everything into a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours down to 4–5 bowls.
- Serve the soup and eat the yam and lotus seeds.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup strengthens the spleen, eases loose stools, opens the appetite and settles the mind — gentle enough for the whole family. If small sea fish are not available, a larger fish such as bighead, golden threadfin or red bigeye works just as well.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Wendy): Can I use fresh Chinese yam instead of dried, and a big fish tail instead of the small sea fish? How do I prep fresh yam? Bro Niu: Yes to fresh yam — peel it, rinse and slice, but wear gloves when handling, as the skin can sting. Any small sea fish or a big fish tail will do.
- Q (a reader): My son lost a lot of weight after being ill. What soups help him gain weight and get stronger? Bro Niu: With balanced nutrition and plenty of outdoor activity, his weight should normalise. When his appetite is poor, try Chinese yam, fox nut (qian shi), lotus seed and red dates simmered with pork shin — it supports the spleen and stomach and helps absorption. Borscht, or tomato-potato fish soup, also suit him; do eat some of the soup ingredients too.
- Q (Man): My 2-year-old has loose stools. Can he drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes — add about 38 g of stir-fried hyacinth bean (chao bian dou) for even better effect.
Published July 19, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
