Vegan Longevity Soup: TCM Mushroom & Chestnut Recipe for Winter Energy

This plant-based soup uses warming, Yang-tonifying ingredients to build deep energy and vitality. While animal products are traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) for strong Kidney Yang support, this vegan version focuses on warming spices, mineral-rich ingredients, and Yang-supporting vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups vegetable broth (homemade is best)

• 1 sheet kombu seaweed (builds Jing/essence)

• 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated (Qi-building)

• 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thick (warming, supports digestion, circulates Yang energy)

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed (warms digestion, moves stagnant Qi, immune-boosting)

• 2 star anise pods (warms Yang, moves Qi)

• 1 cinnamon stick (warming, supports digestion, circulates Yang energy)

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (warms Kidney and Liver channels, aids digestion)

• 1 cup black beans, cooked (tonifies Kidney)

• 1 cup chestnuts, roasted and peeled (warm, tonify Kidney Yang)

• 2 carrots, cut into chunks (support digestion)

• 1 daikon radish, cut into chunks (moves Qi)

• 1 small kabocha squash or sweet potato, cubed (Spleen/Kidney support)

• 4-5 dried jujube dates (warm, tonify Qi and Blood)

• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (warm, support Kidney Yang)

• 1/4 cup goji berries (nourish Kidney and Liver Yin/Yang, promote longevity)

• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds (nourish Kidney and Liver Yin, tonify essence/Jing)

• 2 tablespoons dried wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated (nourish Yin and Blood)

• 6-8 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced

• 3 leeks (white and light green parts), sliced into rounds (warm, move Yang Qi)

Finishing Options (add just before serving):

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste OR

• 2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos OR

• Sea salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• Fresh scallions

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the broth base. In a large pot, add vegetable broth, kombu, dried shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and fennel seeds. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer for 20 minutes to build the aromatic base.

2. Add black beans, chestnuts, carrots, daikon, jujube dates, and squash/sweet potato. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

3. Add fresh mushrooms, leeks, and wood ear mushrooms. Simmer another 10 minutes.

4. Add walnuts, goji berries, and black sesame seeds. Simmer 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat. Remove star anise and cinnamon stick.

6. If using, mix miso paste with a ladleful of hot broth until smooth, then stir back into the soup (add tamari or sea salt to tase). Add sesame oil if using.

7. Ladle into bowls and top with scallions.

VARIATIONS:

For stronger Yang support: Add 1/2 teaspoon Korean gochugaru (warming pepper) or a pinch of cayenne.

For better digestion: Add 1 tablespoon dried tangerine peel (chen pi).

For more protein: Add tempeh or tofu cubes.

For Kidney Yin + Yang balance: Reduce warming spices by half and add more wood ear mushrooms and goji berries.