Soups
Chinese Yam, Goji, Polygonatum, Mai Dong and Quail Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the heart, support qi and strengthen the spleen and stomach
Why people make this soup
Around Lunar New Year the table is always full, and Bro Niu likes a soup that nourishes without turning heating. This pot pairs quail with Chinese yam, polygonatum and mai dong so it feeds you gently rather than firing you up. Two apples stand in for the usual carrot, giving the broth a naturally sweet, rounded taste.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for most people, young and old, who want a mild, moistening soup to support the lungs and help the body through changeable late-winter weather.
- Skip while you have an active fever; wait until the fever has fully passed before drinking.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach and support the lungs.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): associated with nourishing the blood and supporting the eyes.
- Polygonatum (yu zhu): traditionally used to moisten and nourish yin.
- Mai dong: associated with moistening the lungs and generating fluids.
- Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing): traditionally used to moisten the lungs.
- Quail (zhe gu): a light, nourishing meat that supports qi without heaviness.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~37 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | |
| Polygonatum (yu zhu) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Mai dong | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing) | ~19 g (5 qian) | |
| Apples | 2 | Cored, skin on, cut into chunks |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Quail | 1 | Cleaned and blanched |
Method
- Soak and rinse the yam, polygonatum, mai dong, goji and apricot kernels.
- Scrub the apples, cut into chunks and core; clean the quail and blanch it.
- Add everything to a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer for about 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear and mild, suitable for young and old. It supports lung qi and, with the apple and yin-nourishing herbs, also helps keep the skin smooth.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yanlee): Can children drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, the soup pictured is fine for children.
- Q (Sherry): My daughter is 11 and just had a few days of fever. Once it has passed, can I make this soup to help her recover? Bro Niu: As long as she no longer has a fever, she can have this soup.
- Q (Michelle): I’m qi-deficient, get short of breath, and run hot. What soup suits me? Bro Niu: For qi deficiency with a hot constitution, try tai zi shen (5 qian), Chinese yam (1 liang), tiger-milk mushroom (3 qian), 4 figs and 3 slices of ginger simmered with quail or silkie chicken — it helps support qi, nourish yin and strengthen lung qi.
Published February 9, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
