Soups
Chinese Yam, Goji and Dried Scallop Double-Boiled Sea Cucumber
Traditionally used to nourish the kidneys and support the complexion
Why people make this soup
Sea cucumber carries no cholesterol and is traditionally valued for nourishing both kidney yin and kidney yang, so it suits men and women alike. Bro Niu once knew a woman past fifty whose skin was remarkably smooth and youthful — she ate sea cucumber almost daily. The lesson, though, is balance: she even ate it through colds and ended up with such digestive stagnation that she needed hospital care. Enjoyed sensibly, this double-boiled soup is traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, nourish the kidneys and support a smooth complexion, and it suits people with rough, dry skin and brittle hair.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with rough or dry skin and dry, brittle hair wanting a nourishing soup.
- Traditionally helpful for menopausal women, and during recovery after childbirth or surgery (once the spleen and stomach have recovered). Suitable while breastfeeding.
- Children aged 3 and over can have some; even a 2-year-old can have a little.
- Avoid during a cold or flu, and do not overeat — it is rich and can cause digestive stagnation.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally strengthens the spleen and nourishes the kidneys.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys and supporting the eyes.
- Dried scallop (yao zhu): a seafood traditionally used to nourish yin.
- Sea cucumber (hai shen): traditionally nourishes kidney yin and yang; valued for the complexion.
- Red dates and ginger: round out and warm the soup.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g | Dried; fresh yam (more mucilage) can also be used |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~15 g | |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 8 | |
| Dried scallop (yao zhu) | 3 pieces | |
| Pork shank (zhu zhan) | 1 piece | Blanched |
| Pre-soaked sea cucumber (hai shen) | 1–2 pieces | Blanched; home-soaked is safest |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Blanch the pork shank and sea cucumber. Rinse the remaining ingredients.
- Put everything into a double-boiling pot (stewing vessel).
- Pour in 3–4 bowls of boiling water.
- Double-boil about 3 hours. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a nourishing soup, traditionally helpful for menopausal women, after childbirth or surgery, and for couples hoping to conceive. It can be taken regularly. Note that some sea cucumber dissolves easily, so it is best suited to gentle double-boiling rather than a high-pressure cooker; even if it dissolves, the soup is still nourishing.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (May): Can a pregnant woman drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, it is suitable during pregnancy.
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Q (Si Ming): How long after childbirth or surgery can I start drinking this? Is it suitable while breastfeeding? Bro Niu: Once your spleen and stomach function has recovered after the birth, you can have this soup. It is also suitable while breastfeeding.
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Q (reader): Why does my sea cucumber dissolve completely when I double-boil it? Bro Niu: If it is frozen sea cucumber that melts away, it is best to use a different type. Home-soaked sea cucumber may partly dissolve if cooked too long, but completely dissolving is unusual.
Published June 17, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
