Introduction: As the scorching sun of summer gradually approaches, we welcome the traditional solar term of “Major Heat,” which is the hottest period of the year and the time when the body’s yang energy is at its peak and dampness is heaviest. It is said in ancient times, “A bowl of soup during Major Heat is better than at noon,” indicating that during these unbearable hot days, timely consumption of nourishing and non-heating soup can not only cool and refresh, but also nourish the body and enhance physical health.
Among the many summer health soups, the Four Deity Soup is a top choice for many due to its unique effect of tonifying the spleen, preserving beauty, and nourishing without causing internal heat.
The Mystery of Four Deity Soup
As the name suggests, the Four Deity Soup consists of four “divine” secret medicinal (or food) ingredients, namely Poria, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and fox nuts. These four ingredients are excellent in traditional Chinese diet therapy, possessing various benefits such as invigorating the spleen and stomach, calming the mind, supplementing the kidneys, and beautifying the skin. During the hot summer, they can help regulate the spleen and stomach, remove internal dampness, and nourish the body, allowing individuals to enjoy delicious flavors while experiencing both internal and external health and beauty.
Four Deity Soup
Ingredients:
Poria 15g
Chinese yam 30g (peeled and cut into pieces)
Lotus seeds 20g (core removed)
Fox nuts 20g
Pork bones or pig intestines, as needed (optional, vegetarians may omit)
Water, as needed
A pinch of salt (for seasoning)
Preparation:
Wash the ingredients: First, wash the Poria, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and fox nuts separately with water to ensure they are free of impurities. If using pork bones or pig intestines, clean them well in advance and blanch to remove any unpleasant odor.
Soaking: Put the Poria, lotus seeds, and fox nuts in a bowl, add some water, and soak for about 30 minutes to release their nutritional components better.
Stewing: Put all prepared ingredients (including soaked medicinal herbs and pork bones/pig intestines if used) in a stew pot or clay pot, add enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about 2 hours to fully infuse the essence of the ingredients into the soup.
Seasoning: When the soup turns golden and aromatic, add a pinch of salt to season according to personal taste. Note that the Four Deity Soup itself has a sweet flavor and should not be too salty.
Serving: Ladle the cooked Four Deity Soup and consume it hot. For a smoother texture, strain out some residue using a filter.
Health Tips
Suitable for: The Four Deity Soup is suitable for most people, especially those with weak spleen and stomach, indigestion, dull complexion, and easy fatigue. Pregnant women and those with particularly weak constitutions are advised to consume it under medical guidance.
Best time for consumption: During the Major Heat period, drinking the soup 2-3 times a week is most effective. Consuming it on an empty stomach in the morning or before meals enhances absorption.
Recommended pairings: According to personal preference, adding ingredients such as red dates and goji berries can increase the nutritional value and taste of the soup.
In this scorching summer, why not prepare a bowl of Four Deity Soup for yourself and your family, let this gift from nature become our secret weapon to resist the heat and nourish the body and mind. Remember, “A bowl of soup during Major Heat is better than at noon,” it would be a pity to miss it!
Above is the culinary recipe shared with you today. If you find it useful, be sure to save it. Of course, if you have any culinary items you are not good at making, feel free to leave a message to me!
(Images in the article are from the internet, if there is any infringement, please contact for removal!)
