Fresh Chinese Yam, Euryale Seed and Hyacinth Bean Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

In Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of good health — the organ system responsible for transforming food into the energy and blood the entire body depends on. When this system is out of balance — particularly in humid, wet weather — common signs include fatigue that does not lift after sleeping, poor appetite, loose stools, and a general feeling of heaviness. These are all what Chinese medicine calls “dampness” symptoms. This soup is Nourilo’s preferred remedy for that particular kind of sluggish, bloated, under-energised feeling. It is mild, nourishing, and easy on the digestive system — the kind of soup you could eat every few days without it ever feeling too heavy. And during times when immunity matters, a well-functioning digestive system is your best starting point.

Method

1. Peel the fresh yam, rinse well, and cut into sections.
2. Soak and rinse the euryale seed and hyacinth bean.
3. Pit the red dates.
4. Slice the pork and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours until the liquid reduces to approximately 1.2–1.5 L.
7. Serve the broth and eat the yam, euryale, and other solid ingredients for maximum benefit.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup has a light, naturally sweet fragrance — nothing heavy or medicinal about it. The euryale seeds in the photo are the whole unprocessed variety; they are particularly high in nutrients and are a wonderful food for both young children and the elderly. For those who have difficulty eating the solid ingredients (elderly relatives with poor teeth, for example), Nourilo’s tip is to scoop some of the cooked solids out, blend them briefly with a mini blender, and stir into congee — this way all the goodness is captured. Note: if you cannot find fresh yam, substitute 38 g of dried yam slices.