Stews
Stir-Fried Loofah, Mushroom and Chicken Soup
Loofah, mushroom and chicken soup is a nourishing soup that perfectly combines seasonal summer vegetables, mountain delicacies, and tender chicken. Loofah is sweet, juicy, and clears summer heat; mushrooms are rich in amino acids and umami; chicken is warming, qi-tonifying, and provides high-quality protein. Slowly simmered together, the soup turns golden and clear, with tender loofah, savory mushrooms, and fall-off-the-bone chicken. It’s a wholesome everyday soup for the whole family, and an ideal "clear-tonifying" summer remedy – cooling without being cold, nourishing without being greasy.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken (Sanhuang chicken or Qingyuan chicken) half (approx. 600g)
- Loofah 1 piece (approx. 300g)
- Mixed mushrooms 200g
- Fresh ginger 5 slices
- Goji berries 15g
- Red dates (pitted) 4-5 pcs
- Salt to taste
- White pepper powder a pinch
- Cooking oil as needed
- Water approx. 2L
Steps
Cut chicken into pieces and soak in water for 30 minutes, changing the water 2-3 times. Peel the loofah and cut into chunksor thick slices, immediately soak in lightly salted water. Remove mushroom roots and rinse well. Slice ginger and rinse goji berries and red dates.
Place chicken in a pot with cold water and 2 slices of ginger. Bring to a boil, skimming off foam. Boil for about 3 minutes, then remove and rinse with warm water. Drain.
Place the blanched chicken, remaining ginger, and red dates into a clay pot with water (approx. 2L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Add the cleaned mushrooms and continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
Add the drained loofah chunks and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the loofah becomes translucent and tender.
Add goji berries and salt 5 minutes before serving. Add a pinch of white pepper if desired. Stir well and serve hot.
TCM Notes
Heat-clearing & thirst-quenching (core benefit of loofah): Loofah, cool in nature, is rich in water and vitamin C – effectively relieving summer heat discomfort, with detoxifying and diuretic effects, especially suitable for summer heat and dry throat. Immunity-boosting & mineral supplementation (core benefit of mushrooms): Mushrooms are rich in protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and polysaccharides, regularly consumed to enhance resistance. White beech mushrooms have calming and cough-relieving effects; shiitake mushrooms aid digestion and lower blood pressure. Warming & anemia improvement (core benefit of chicken): Chicken is rich in protein with warming and tonifying effects; the heme iron in chicken complements the vitamin C in loofah to improve iron absorption. Digestive support: Dietary fiber in loofah and mushrooms promotes intestinal motility and aids digestion. Moisturizing & beautifying: Mucilage in loofah and quality protein in chicken nourish body fluids; loofah is rich in vitamin C for skin health.
Suitable for：Those suffering from summer heat, thirst, or dry throat Those with low immunity or prone to colds Children, teenagers, and the elderly needing high-quality protein Those recovering from illness or surgery needing gentle nourishment Those on a light, low-fat, healthy diet Those with poor appetite or indigestion
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or diarrhea (Use with caution!)：Loofah is cooling in nature – overconsumption may worsen abdominal pain and diarrhea. Add extra ginger during cooking to balance and limit portion size. Those with internal cold and weakness (Use with caution)：Loofah is cooling – not suitable for those with internal cold. Those with acute gout flare-ups (Use with caution)：Mushrooms and chicken soup contain purines – strictly limit during acute attacks; those with hyperuricemia should limit to ≤2 times per week. Those with kidney disease or hypertension (Moderate consumption)：Chicken soup may be high in salt and protein – consume in moderation and control salt intake. Those allergic to mushrooms (Avoid).
