Soups
Chinese Yam, Snow Fungus and Partridge Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen and lungs and eases a lingering cough
Why people make this soup
Partridge makes a broth that is clear, naturally sweet and not at all greasy — which is exactly why Nourilo reaches for it when someone has a weak digestion, a cough that drags on with lots of phlegm, or a “deficient heat” constitution that struggles with rich tonics. Paired with Chinese yam, snow fungus, apricot kernels and figs, it is a gentle, restorative pot the whole family can share.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with weak digestion and lungs, a lingering cough with phlegm, or who feel too frail for strong tonics; children prone to colds and coughs can take it as gentle support.
- Avoid if you have a cold with fever or feel feverish. People with reduced kidney function should keep protein and salt moderate.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally strengthens the spleen and supports the lungs and kidneys.
- Snow fungus (xue er): Traditionally moistens the lungs and nourishes fluids.
- Apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Traditionally moisten the lungs and ease coughing.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Add natural sweetness and traditionally soothe the throat.
- Partridge (zhe gu): A clear, light source of nourishment that is gentle on the stomach.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam | ~1 tael (38 g) | Soaked |
| Snow fungus | ~2 qian (8 g) | Soaked, hard stem removed |
| Apricot kernels | ~1 tael (38 g) | |
| Dried figs | 4 | |
| Partridge | 1 | Cleaned, blanched (cooked head-on) |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Clean and gut the partridge, then blanch it (it is cooked head-on).
- Soak the yam and snow fungus; remove the hard stem from the fungus.
- Place all ingredients in a pot.
- Add 8 bowls of water and simmer down to about 4 bowls.
- Serve, eating the soup and the ingredients together.
Nourilo’s Tips
Partridge soup is nourishing and gentle, so it suits children with weak lungs and digestion who catch colds and coughs easily — make it as regular, mild support. But do not drink it during a cold with fever. For an extra calming-the-cough note you can add a little walnut (he tao rou).
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Silly): Do you cook the partridge with the head on? Nourilo: Yes, the partridge is cooked head-on.
-
Q (anonymous reader): Can someone with reduced kidney function drink partridge soup? Nourilo: Yes. Just keep protein within about 40 g a day and use as little salt as possible; favor diuretic, anti-swelling foods like winter melon, adzuki bean and Job’s tears.
-
Q (Victor): After a hysterectomy and ovary removal, is it too soon to drink partridge soup? My doctor advised no medicinal herbs. Nourilo: A week after surgery this soup is fine. Items like yam, goji, snow fungus, lotus seed and lily bulb are really foods, so they are okay — with lean pork or a fresh-fish broth; just avoid high-fat meats.
Published November 26, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
