8 Nourishing Soup Recipes for Autumn According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

As autumn arrives with its dry weather, Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of nourishing soups to maintain balance and health. These eight therapeutic soup recipes, shared by an experienced TCM practitioner, are perfect for the season - delicious, nutritious, and wonderfully comforting.

1. Winter Melon Meatball Soup

Autumn's dryness calls for this soothing winter melon and meatball combination. Cube peeled winter melon. Mix minced meat with scallion, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, salt, pepper, and starch, pounding until elastic. Sauté winter melon briefly, add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat, add meatballs and simmer for two minutes. Season with salt, chicken essence, and pepper. This light yet flavorful soup provides perfect autumn nourishment.

2. Yam Velvet Soup

Autumn is ideal for strengthening spleen and stomach function, making this yam velvet soup perfect for children. Mash iron rod yam after steaming. Sauté mushrooms and carrot dices until fragrant, add water and season with salt and chicken essence. Once boiling, add yam and simmer for three minutes. Drizzle with egg mixture, add greens, and finish with sesame oil. The delicious flavor will have children asking for thirds!

3. Clear-Simmered Lamb Ribs Soup

As the saying goes: "Drink lamb soup after autumn begins, and winter cold won't reach your hands." These clear-simmered lamb ribs have become a weekly family tradition. Soak ribs in salted cold water to draw out blood and tenderize. Start in cold water with liquor to remove gaminess, skim foam after boiling, simmer five minutes, then rinse with warm water (never cold!). Simmer in pot with boiling water and white angelica for aroma. Cover and simmer gently for one hour. Season only with salt, then add goji berries and cilantro. Enjoy both the tender meat and rich broth for complete satisfaction.

4. Yam Gnocchi Soup

While yam benefits spleen and stomach, this preparation offers delightful variety. Steam and mash yam, mix with flour to form dough, roll into strips and cut into segments (or form small balls like tangyuan). Pan-fry eggs and set aside. Sauté scallion whites until fragrant, add chopped tomatoes and cook until pulpy. Add boiling water and yam gnocchi, bring to boil. Season with salt and mushroom powder, add greens and eggs, simmer briefly. A wonderful family meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

5. Winter Melon Tofu Skin Egg Soup

This TCM-inspired soup offers exceptional nutrition and flavor. Slice winter melon thickly. Pan-fry three eggs until golden, then cut into pieces. In the same pan, sauté winter melon until tender. Add eggs and boiling water (essential for milky broth). Simmer 2-3 minutes, add lean pork slices and tofu skin. Season with salt and chicken essence, garnish with scallions and goji berries. Elderly and children particularly love this nourishing combination.

6. Spinach Pork Liver Soup

Essential for frequently staying up late, this simple, nutritious soup supports recovery. Slice fresh pork liver and soak in water to remove blood and gaminess. Squeeze dry, then marinate with salt, chicken essence, pepper, and starch. Boil water with ginger strips, add liver slices gradually, then spinach. Season with salt, chicken essence, pepper, and sesame oil. Finish with scallions and goji berries. This straightforward preparation delivers exceptional nourishment.

7. Hot and Sour Soup

When rich foods become overwhelming, this hot and sour soup provides perfect relief. Julienne soft tofu, ham, carrot, and wood ear mushrooms. Prepare enoki mushrooms and cilantro. Sauté scallion, ginger, garlic, and dried chilies until fragrant. Add vinegar along the wok edge, then water and light soy sauce. After boiling, strain out solids. Season with salt and black pepper, thicken with starch slurry. Add prepared ingredients, return to boil, drizzle with egg mixture, and garnish with cilantro. The addictive sour-spicy flavor keeps you coming back for more.

8. Milky Carp Soup

The secret to rich, creamy carp soup lies in the technique. Pan-fry eggs until golden, set aside. In the same pan, fry carp until golden brown, add ginger. The key to milky broth? Add boiling water! Simmer until broth thickens, add tofu and poached eggs. Season with salt and pepper, simmer until concentrated. Finish with goji berries and scallions. This richly nutritious carp soup delivers both stunning color and incredible flavor.

These eight autumn soups combine TCM wisdom with culinary delight, helping your family transition smoothly into the cooler season while supporting overall health. Which will become your household's new favorite?