Soups
Chinese Yam, Euryale Ferox and Pork Rib Soup
Chinese yam, Euryale ferox and pork rib soup is a classic Cantonese nourishing soup that strengthens the spleen, benefits the kidneys, and stops diarrhea. Yam, sweet in taste with a neutral nature, acts on the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians – it tonifies both spleen qi and yin, providing gentle nourishment without being cloying. Euryale ferox, sweet and astringent in taste with a neutral nature, acts on the spleen and kidney meridians – it strengthens the spleen, stops diarrhea, and consolidates kidney essence. Pork ribs nourish qi and blood. Slowly simmered together, the yam becomes soft and creamy, the Euryale ferox turns chewy, and the ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender. As the saying goes, "better to nourish before the first frost than to nourish all winter long" – this soup is warming yet not greasy, making it especially suitable for those with spleen-kidney deficiency, poor digestion, or chronic diarrhea.
Main Ingredients
- Pork ribs (spare ribs preferred) 300-500g
- Chinese yam (iron yam preferred) (peeled net weight) 150-250g
- Dried Euryale ferox seeds (Gorgon fruit) 30g
- Fresh ginger 3-5 slices
- Red dates (pitted) 3-4 pcs
- Goji berries 10g
- Salt to taste
- Water approx. 2-2.5L
Steps
Cut ribs into 4-5cm sections and soak in water for 30 minutes, changing the water 2-3 times to remove blood. Peel the yam (wear gloves), cut into chunks, and soak in water to prevent oxidation. Soak Euryale ferox in water for 1-2 hours. Slice the ginger and pit the red dates.
Place the ribs in a pot with cold water, add 2 slices of ginger and a little cooking wine. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, and boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove and rinse with warm water. Drain.
Place the blanched ribs, soaked Euryale ferox, red dates, and remaining ginger slices into a clay pot. Add water (approx. 2-2.5L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 40-60 minutes until the ribs are tender.
Add the drained yam chunks and continue simmering over low heat for 20-30 minutes until the yam is soft and creamy.
Add goji berries and salt 10 minutes before serving. Stir well and serve hot. (Adding salt too early will toughen the meat.)
TCM Notes
Spleen-strengthening & digestive support (core benefit): Yam strengthens the spleen, nourishes the stomach, and benefits the lungs. Euryale ferox strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea. Together, they improve digestive function, relieving poor appetite, post-meal bloating, and loose stools caused by spleen deficiency. Kidney-consolidating & diarrhea-stopping (core benefit): Euryale ferox acts on the kidney meridian, consolidating kidney essence and stopping diarrhea. Yam also nourishes the kidneys. Together, they help relieve sore lower back, weak knees, frequent nighttime urination, and seminal emission caused by kidney deficiency. Dampness-relieving & regulating body fluids: Euryale ferox relieves dampness and regulates fluid metabolism. Yam strengthens the spleen and drains dampness. Together, they improve sticky stools and excessive leucorrhea caused by spleen deficiency with dampness. Nourishing qi and blood: Pork ribs, known as "flesh and blood products," nourish qi, blood, and the spleen and stomach. Combined with yam and Euryale ferox, they offer complementary animal and plant proteins for comprehensive nutrition. Rich in nutrients: This soup is rich in protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids.
Suitable for：Those with weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, or post-meal bloating Those with spleen deficiency and dampness – loose stools or chronic diarrhea Those with spleen-kidney deficiency – sore lower back, weak knees, or frequent nighttime urination Those with sallow complexion, cold extremities, or fatigue Those recovering from illness or surgery needing gentle nourishment Those with low immunity or sub-health conditions needing qi support Middle-aged and elderly people needing warming nourishment in autumn and winter
Not suitable for：Those with severe constipation or dry hard stools (Use with caution or avoid!): Both yam and Euryale ferox have astringent properties that may reduce intestinal moisture and worsen constipation. Reduce the amount of both ingredients, or add white radish or bamboo shoots to balance the astringent effect. Those with external pathogens, colds, or fevers (Avoid!): Those with external pathogens (such as colds, fevers, or internal damp-heat) should avoid this soup, as it may trap pathogens in the body. Those with damp-heat constitution or yellow greasy tongue coating (Use with caution): This soup is warming and astringent – those with damp-heat excess should reduce the amount of ribs and add dampness-relieving ingredients like coix seeds or small red beans. Diabetics (Control portion size): Yam is high in starch – reduce the amount of yam, omit red dates, and strictly limit portion size. Those with extremely weak digestion (Use with caution): Euryale ferox is rich in carbohydrates and may be difficult to digest – consume in small amounts or cook until very soft. Pregnant women and postpartum women (Use with caution): Consult a physician before consuming. Those allergic to yam, Euryale ferox, or pork (rare).
