Yacon, Pear, Sweet Almond and Fig Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Yacon is a South American root vegetable that can seem unfamiliar at first — its name in some Chinese dialects evokes the famous highland snow lotus flower, which is an entirely different plant. After a little research and a first taste, most people are won over: yacon is crunchy, juicy, and naturally sweet, a bit like a water pear. It has been studied for its potential to support healthy blood lipids and blood sugar, and it makes a wonderfully refreshing sweet soup. Here it is paired with Asian pear, sweet apricot kernels, and dried figs for a classic Cantonese-style cooling dessert that works well for both children and adults.

Method

1. Peel the yacon root and cut into thick slices.
2. Wash the pears, remove the core, and cut into thick slices (skin on is fine).
3. Rinse the sweet apricot kernels and dried figs.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1 hour until 0.9–1.2 L remain.
6. Add rock sugar to taste in the final few minutes.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature. Both the soup and the fruit/ingredients are delicious to eat.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup works equally well as a savoury dish — just omit the rock sugar and add lean pork instead. In that form it makes a nourishing soup suitable for the whole family. For children with lung-heat cough, adults with dry skin or persistent internal heat, and as a general healthy dessert, this is one of the easiest and most pleasant soups in Nourilo’s winter repertoire. Yacon is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. One caution: yacon does not combine well with milk or eggs in the same meal.