Soups
Tiger Milk Mushroom, Coconut, Corn and Carrot Soup
Traditionally taken to strengthen lung qi and support immunity
Why people make this soup
When flu and other bugs start circulating, Bro Niu likes to shore up the body before family gatherings rather than wait to get sick. This soup is one he simmers often himself — it is clear, naturally sweet, and pleasant to drink. The thinking is to build up lung qi and overall resilience so the body is better equipped when respiratory bugs come around.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people with weaker lung qi who catch respiratory bugs easily, and anyone wanting a mild, balanced soup to drink any season.
- Gentle and balanced — suitable for all ages. If you tend to be damp, add a piece of dried tangerine peel. Not a substitute for care when you have a fever.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi): a Southeast Asian fungus traditionally associated with supporting metabolism, strengthening the spleen, and resolving damp; long used to help the body resist unwanted influences.
- Mini coconut (mi ni ye zi): traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten the lungs and clear dryness-heat.
- Corn, carrot, red dates: nourishing, tasty soup ingredients.
- South and north almonds (nan bei xing): classically used to moisten the lungs and ease coughing.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger milk mushroom | ~11 g | Rinsed |
| Mini coconut | 1 | Rinsed, sliced |
| Corn | 1 cob | Husked, cut into pieces |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| South & north almonds | ~38 g | Rinsed |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Sliced, blanched |
Method
- Rinse the tiger milk mushroom and almonds. Rinse the coconut and slice. Husk the corn and cut into pieces. Peel and chunk the carrot. Pit the red dates.
- Slice the pork and blanch.
- Put everything in a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer for 2 hours until reduced to about 4–5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
Mini coconut is very fragrant but spoils easily — if it smells musty once cut, do not use it. This soup is balanced and suits all ages. If phlegm is present, leave out the red dates for now; if you are damp, add a piece of dried tangerine peel.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Ling): Is this soup suitable for the current weather? Will it make me damp? Bro Niu: It can be drunk in any season. If you are already damp, add a piece of dried tangerine peel. The tiger milk mushroom is actually a Southeast Asian poria fungus that helps strengthen the spleen and resolve damp.
- Q (Baby): My child still has a slight tail-end cold with cough and phlegm — can they drink this? Bro Niu: If there is phlegm, leave out the red dates for now. As long as the child has no fever, they can drink it.
- Q (Wing): Can I use coconut slices instead of mini coconut? Are the effects the same? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use coconut slices; the effects are similar. The difference is just that one mini coconut is the right amount for a single pot.
Published January 4, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
