Soups
Lotus Root, Chestnut and Cashew Chicken Soup
traditionally taken to strengthen the lower back and support the kidneys
Why people make this soup
Autumn is chestnut season, and chestnuts have long been called “the fruit of the kidney” — traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach and support the kidneys and sinews, easing aching knees and lower back. Bro Niu pairs them with cashews (whose minerals are associated with bone health) and lotus root for a rich, sweet, nourishing chicken soup that traditionally strengthens the lower back and is also kind to those with degenerative joint complaints.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits all ages; clear, sweet and nourishing, with a reputation for supporting the lower back and joints.
- Those with a cold or fever should not take it.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chestnut (li zi): The “fruit of the kidney” — traditionally strengthens the spleen and stomach and supports the kidneys and sinews, easing aching knees and back.
- Cashew (yao guo): Good for the cardiovascular system; its calcium, copper, phosphorus and magnesium are associated with supporting bone.
- Lotus root (lian ou): Rounds out the soup with a clear sweetness and traditional nourishment.
- Red dates and ginger: Nourish blood, harmonize and add a gentle warmth.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus root | ~600 g (1 catty) | Peeled, chunked |
| Chestnuts | ~113 g (3 liang) | Shelled (blanch to peel) |
| Cashew nuts | ~75 g (2 liang) | Rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | — |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Chicken | half | Cut into large pieces, blanched |
Method
- Peel and chunk the lotus root. Blanch the chestnuts to slip off their skins. Rinse the cashews; pit the red dates. Cut the chicken into large pieces and blanch.
- Put everything into a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer for 2 hours, reducing to about 4–5 bowls. Serve the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Clear, sweet and good for all ages, but not for anyone with a cold or fever. Lotus root dislikes iron, so use a clay, ceramic or Corningware pot rather than an iron one.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Emma): Can I add carrot to this lotus-root, chestnut and cashew chicken soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add carrot — no problem.
- Q (suk): Could my 76-year-old mother, who’s often constipated, eat oatmeal? Any soup to help? Bro Niu: Yes, let her have oatmeal with fresh milk, since dairy helps move the bowels; or buy prune juice — half a cup in the morning and again in the afternoon works quickly. Constipation in older people is often from insufficient fluids and qi deficiency, so simmer cistanche (~19 g), angelica (~11 g) and 3 figs in a pork-belly soup twice a week to nourish blood and moisten the bowels.
- Q (reader): When a soup says “1.5 hours,” is that from lighting the fire, and after a rolling boil do I keep it on high 10 minutes then reduce? Bro Niu: Generally bring it to a strong boil first, then turn to a gentle simmer; count the 1.5 hours from the start.
Published September 29, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
