Soups
Chinese Yam, Snow Fungus and Partridge Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen and lungs and eases a lingering cough
Why people make this soup
Partridge makes a broth that is clear, naturally sweet and not at all greasy — which is exactly why Bro Niu reaches for it when someone has a weak digestion, a cough that drags on with lots of phlegm, or a “deficient heat” constitution that struggles with rich tonics. Paired with Chinese yam, snow fungus, apricot kernels and figs, it is a gentle, restorative pot the whole family can share.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with weak digestion and lungs, a lingering cough with phlegm, or who feel too frail for strong tonics; children prone to colds and coughs can take it as gentle support.
- Avoid if you have a cold with fever or feel feverish. People with reduced kidney function should keep protein and salt moderate.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally strengthens the spleen and supports the lungs and kidneys.
- Snow fungus (xue er): Traditionally moistens the lungs and nourishes fluids.
- Apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Traditionally moisten the lungs and ease coughing.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Add natural sweetness and traditionally soothe the throat.
- Partridge (zhe gu): A clear, light source of nourishment that is gentle on the stomach.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam | ~1 tael (38 g) | Soaked |
| Snow fungus | ~2 qian (8 g) | Soaked, hard stem removed |
| Apricot kernels | ~1 tael (38 g) | |
| Dried figs | 4 | |
| Partridge | 1 | Cleaned, blanched (cooked head-on) |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Clean and gut the partridge, then blanch it (it is cooked head-on).
- Soak the yam and snow fungus; remove the hard stem from the fungus.
- Place all ingredients in a pot.
- Add 8 bowls of water and simmer down to about 4 bowls.
- Serve, eating the soup and the ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
Partridge soup is nourishing and gentle, so it suits children with weak lungs and digestion who catch colds and coughs easily — make it as regular, mild support. But do not drink it during a cold with fever. For an extra calming-the-cough note you can add a little walnut (he tao rou).
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Silly): Do you cook the partridge with the head on? Bro Niu: Yes, the partridge is cooked head-on.
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Q (anonymous reader): Can someone with reduced kidney function drink partridge soup? Bro Niu: Yes. Just keep protein within about 40 g a day and use as little salt as possible; favor diuretic, anti-swelling foods like winter melon, adzuki bean and Job’s tears.
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Q (Victor): After a hysterectomy and ovary removal, is it too soon to drink partridge soup? My doctor advised no medicinal herbs. Bro Niu: A week after surgery this soup is fine. Items like yam, goji, snow fungus, lotus seed and lily bulb are really foods, so they are okay — with lean pork or a fresh-fish broth; just avoid high-fat meats.
Published November 26, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
