Soups
Daylily, Tofu, and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to clear damp-heat and ease chest fullness
Why people make this soup
Mild fatty liver often gives no obvious signs; by the time the liver area feels uncomfortable and appetite drops, it may already be more advanced. Bro Niu’s advice is plain: clean up the diet, stop drinking, and cut back on overly salty and heavily seasoned food. A mild fatty liver can often improve with sensible eating. This simple soup is traditionally associated with clearing damp-heat, easing fullness in the chest, and relieving bloating — a gentle, supportive bowl for those minding their liver.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People managing a mild fatty liver who want a light, easy daily soup
- Bro Niu notes those with hepatitis or cirrhosis can also take this soup regularly, but it does not replace medical care — keep up your doctor’s follow-up
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Daylily bud (jin zhen): traditionally associated with protecting the liver and soothing constrained liver qi.
- Tofu (dou fu): light and cooling, traditionally used to ease heat and fullness.
- Lean pork (shou rou): adds nourishment and savour without heaviness.
Ingredients (3 to 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried daylily buds (jin zhen) | 1 small handful | Soak until soft |
| Tofu (dou fu) | 2 blocks | Cut into pieces; boxed supermarket tofu works the same |
| Lean pork (shou rou) | 4 liang (~150 g) | Shred |
Method
- Soak the daylily buds until soft; cut the tofu into pieces; shred the pork.
- Put everything into a pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Boil for about 15 minutes.
- Serve, eating both the soup and the ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is simple and quick to make. People with hepatitis or cirrhosis can also take it regularly. If you can find loach fish, adding half a catty makes it even more beneficial for those with hepatitis.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (CN): Can this be an everyday family soup? I am a hepatitis carrier and take Western medicine daily — can other family members drink it too? Bro Niu: This soup suits people with hepatitis, and healthy people can drink it too; twice a week is fine. If you can get loach fish, adding half a catty makes it even better for those with hepatitis.
- Q (柚子): If I use boxed supermarket tofu, is the benefit the same? Bro Niu: Boxed supermarket tofu has the same effect.
- Q (Dana): Two “blocks” of tofu — does that mean two squares of one block, or two whole blocks? Bro Niu: Two whole blocks. For food-therapy purposes a little more or less does not matter; for medicinal use, herb amounts need to be more precise.
Published October 7, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
