Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu and Quail Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, nourish the lungs and support a delicate child's resilience
Why people make this soup
There’s an old line in Chinese medicine: a child’s “liver tends to be in excess, the spleen tends to be deficient.” In plain terms, little ones can run hot and fussy, while their digestion is still catching up — which can leave them tired, pale and prone to sweating and catching colds. Nourilo’s takeaway is simple: protect the child’s spleen. This soup is traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi, nourish the lungs and ease phlegm, and is associated with helping a delicate child build resilience against colds and coughs.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Delicate children who tire easily, look pale, sweat readily or catch colds often — as a between-illness tonic.
- It is also traditionally considered suitable for people with diabetes, and those recovering from illness or surgery who feel thirsty and restless.
- Do NOT give it while a child has a fever; wait until the fever has passed. Vegetarians can omit the quail; lean pork or pork can stand in.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and boost qi.
- Sha shen: classically used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs.
- Yu zhu (Solomon’s seal): traditionally used to nourish yin and generate fluids.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): traditionally nourishing and gentle.
- Quail (an chun): traditionally said to nourish the five organs, neither cooling nor heating — well suited to delicate children.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~150 g (4 liang) | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~15 g (4 qian) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Sha shen | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Yu zhu | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 | |
| Frozen quail | 2 | Cleaned, blanched |
Method
- Clean and blanch the frozen quail; peel and chunk the fresh yam; soak and rinse the sha shen, yu zhu and goji berries.
- Put all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer for about 2 hours down to 4 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Nourilo’s Tips
Quail is traditionally said to nourish the five organs without being cooling or heating, which makes it ideal for delicate children; frozen quail is sold at larger supermarkets. This soup can also be steamed (double-boiled) for 2 hours instead of simmered.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Kitty): Can the quail be replaced with something else — chicken or lean pork? Nourilo: If you don’t have quail, you can use lean pork or pork.
- Q (Mika): My child has just gotten over a cold but the cough isn’t fully cleared — can he drink this? He’s a delicate child, catches colds easily, and has nasal allergies. Nourilo: If the cold isn’t fully cleared but the child is delicate, this soup is fine. But with a fever it must not be given, so an unresolved illness doesn’t take hold.
- Q (yan chan): Can this soup be double-boiled (steamed) instead? Nourilo: Yes — double-boil it for 2 hours.
Published February 18, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
