Soups
Shiitake, Mixed Nuts and Red Date Soup
Traditionally used to support the kidneys and ease a weak, achy lower back
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu came home from the dried-goods shop with plump cashews, fresh walnuts and a bag of chickpeas, and decided to build a vegetarian pot around them with shiitake and red dates. No pork bone needed — the nuts and mushrooms give it body and a fragrant, gently sweet flavour. Traditionally this combination is associated with supporting the kidneys and a weak lower back.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those with a weak lower back, achy knees, or who tire easily.
- A mild, sweet soup — children can have it too.
- Also traditionally favoured by nursing mothers. As with any nut-rich dish, mind any nut allergies.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Walnut (he tao rou): classically associated with supporting the kidneys and lower back.
- Cashew (yao guo): nourishing and rich, adding body to the broth.
- Chickpeas (san jiao dou): rich in B vitamins and minerals; a wholesome, slightly pea-like note.
- Shiitake and red dates (dong gu, hong zao): savoury depth and gentle sweetness.
Ingredients (5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shiitake | ~75 g | soaked, stems removed |
| Walnuts | ~75 g | rinsed |
| Cashews | ~75 g | rinsed |
| Chickpeas | ~38 g | rinsed |
| Red dates (jujube) | 10 | best de-stoned |
Method
- Soak the shiitake until soft and remove the stems; rinse the walnuts and cashews.
- Put everything into a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer about 2 hours down to about 5 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fragrant and sweet, and taken regularly it is traditionally associated with easing fatigue and supporting the skin. It is well suited to those with a weak lower back and achy knees, and is also welcomed by nursing mothers.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Can): Can I use peanuts instead of cashews? Bro Niu: Yes, peanuts are fine.
- Q (DD): If I have no shiitake or chickpeas, can I use maitake and almond (royal sun) mushrooms instead? Bro Niu: Maitake and almond mushrooms are both wholesome — you can use them in place of the shiitake and chickpeas.
- Q (Sharon): Can children drink this walnut soup? Will it be “heaty”? Should the dates be de-stoned, and can I use blue dates? Bro Niu: It’s very mild — children can have it. Best to de-stone the red dates; you can use southern (nan zao) dates instead.
Published July 25, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
