Soups
Chinese Yam, Fox Nut and Fresh Fish Soup
Traditionally used to support a child's spleen and digestion
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu picked up some very fresh small fish at the market — the lion-head fish has wonderfully tender, silky flesh. The little ones he pan-fried and dropped into a soup pot. Paired with Chinese yam and fox nut, fresh fish makes a soup that is traditionally turned to for children with a delicate stomach who tire easily, run loose, sweat at night, need the toilet often, or seem to make a lot of phlegm.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children with a weak spleen and stomach: poor digestion, loose stools, night sweats, frequent urination, easily phlegmy.
- The whole family can enjoy it.
- Anyone prone to constipation should not overdo the fox nut, as it is quite astringent.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): a classic gentle food for strengthening the spleen and stomach.
- Fox nut (qian shi): similar in function to lotus seed but more strongly astringent; traditionally favoured for chronic loose stools and frequent urination. In TCM thinking, “the spleen is the source of phlegm,” so strengthening the spleen is the way to settle phlegm.
- Fresh fish: light, nourishing and easy on a child’s stomach.
- Red dates and ginger: round out and warm the soup.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g | Rinse and soak |
| Fox nut (qian shi) | ~38 g | Rinse and soak |
| Fresh fish | ~300 g | Any soup fish |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Red dates | 4 pieces |
Method
- Rinse and soak the Chinese yam and fox nut.
- Clean the fish, then pan-fry it in a little oil until fragrant; place it in a soup/fish bag.
- Add all ingredients to a pot with 6 bowls of water and cook for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 3–4 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the soft ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is tasty and suits the whole family, but if you tend toward constipation, go easy on the fox nut. Fresh yam can also be used — about 110–150 g (3–4 taels).
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Kit Chow): My grandson is almost 3 and quite thin. Can I cook his rice and noodles in yam and fox nut water every day to strengthen his spleen and stomach? He eats very slowly. Bro Niu: Yes — both yam and fox nut strengthen the spleen, boost qi and support the kidneys, and suit children. You can grind them to powder and cook a couple of teaspoons each into congee or rice, then eat it all for the fullest benefit.
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Q (beeyeung): What fish should I use for this soup? Bro Niu: Any fresh fish works — crucian carp, grass carp tail, golden threadfin bream, bigeye, and so on.
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Q (大马): Why did our family of three feel a bit of indigestion after this soup? Bro Niu: Too much fox nut can bring on constipation/heaviness; Chinese yam does not have this problem.
Published July 17, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
