Best Easy Lily Bulb and Lotus Seed Soup Recipe

Delicate lily bulb and lotus seeds create a gentle, calming sweet soup. This traditional family dessert is prized in TCM for promoting restful sleep and soothing the heart.

Cook 60 min Difficulty EASY 135 kcal
#vegetarian #low carb #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • dried lotus seeds 2 oz
  • fresh lily bulbs 2 pieces
  • dried goji berries 2 tbsp
  • water 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • rock sugar 3 tbsp
  • dried mandarin peel 1 piece
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 83%
Protein 4 g 12%
Fat 1.5 g 5%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse dried lotus seeds and soak in warm water for 1 hour until softened; drain and remove green cores if present for a less bitter flavor.

  2. 2

    Carefully separate the lily bulb petals, rinse gently to remove debris, and soak briefly in clean water; set aside.

  3. 3

    In a medium pot, add soaked lotus seeds, 6 cups water, and dried mandarin peel. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer (low heat), cover, and cook for 45 minutes until lotus seeds are tender but not falling apart.

  4. 4

    Stir in lily bulbs and goji berries. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes, uncovered, until the lily bulbs just turn translucent and tender. Avoid overcooking them to preserve their delicate texture.

  5. 5

    Add rock sugar, stir gently, and simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness as desired. Remove mandarin peel, give the soup a final stir, and serve warm or chilled.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients are lily bulbs and lotus seeds. Their combination defines the soup’s gentle flavor, floral aroma, and classic creamy yet slightly crisp texture. These two items are central to the dessert's comforting and calming character.
Q. What cooking step is most important for perfect texture?
Maintaining gentle simmering heat is crucial—lotus seeds should become tender but not mushy during the long simmer, while lily bulbs are added later to avoid becoming overly soft or dissolving. Timing the addition of ingredients ensures each element keeps its ideal texture.
Q. How do I avoid mushy or broken lily bulbs?
Add lily bulbs only after the lotus seeds are soft. Simmer uncovered for just 10–12 minutes and avoid stirring vigorously. This preserves their petal shape and prevents overcooking or disintegration, giving your soup a beautifully clear, inviting appearance.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each serving provides approximately 135 kcal and 28g carbohydrates, making it a light dessert option. Carbs compose about 83% of the total calories, while protein and fat contribute 12% and 5% respectively.
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