Yam, Chicken Gizzard Lining and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Around the Lunar New Year, children tend to eat more than usual — more sweets, more festive snacks, more oily food. When a child starts to feel bloated, has less appetite, or complains of a heavy stomach, this is often a sign of what Chinese food therapy calls “food stagnation.” This soup was made for exactly that scenario. Chicken gizzard lining (ji nei jin) is a well-known digestive aid in Cantonese kitchens — the dried, powdered inner lining of the chicken gizzard has a long history of use for resolving food accumulation and improving digestive enzyme function. Combined with yam to gently strengthen the spleen, and red dates for a little sweetness and calm, the result is a mild, approachable soup that suits the whole family.