Healing Harmony: Slow-Simmered Lotus Root Soup
Earthy lotus root slices soften beautifully in a subtly sweet, nourishing broth.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Lotus root soup, a staple in many Asian cultures, is more than just a comforting dish; it's a time-honored remedy. Prized for its purported health benefits, this soup is often simmered for hours, allowing the flavors of the lotus root, dried shiitake mushrooms, and red dates to meld into a deeply satisfying and restorative elixir. Its gentle sweetness and savory depth make it a perfect meal for cooler weather or whenever you crave a boost of well-being.
- •Subtle Sweetness - The red dates impart a natural, gentle sweetness that balances the earthy flavors of the lotus root and mushrooms.
- •Textural Symphony - Experience a delightful contrast between the slightly crisp lotus root and the tender, chewy shiitake mushrooms.
- •Umami Richness - Dried shiitake mushrooms contribute a profound umami depth that elevates the broth to a new level of savory goodness.
- •Gentle Digestion - This soup is incredibly easy on the stomach, making it ideal for those seeking a light yet nourishing meal.
- •Aromatic Comfort - The combination of ginger and sesame oil creates a warm and inviting aroma that soothes the senses.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 lb Lotus Root (Peeled and sliced)
- 6 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (Rehydrated)
- 8 Dried Red Dates (Jujubes) (Pitted)
- 2 slices Ginger (Fresh)
- 8 cups Vegetable Broth (Low Sodium)
- 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper (Or to taste)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (To finish)
- 2 Green Onions (Chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This will soften them and release their rich umami flavor into the soaking liquid, which you can reserve to add to the soup later.
~30 min
Tip: Squeeze out any excess water from the rehydrated mushrooms before slicing to concentrate their flavor. - 2
Prepare the lotus root by peeling it and slicing it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Rinse the slices under cold water to remove any excess starch, which will help prevent the soup from becoming cloudy.
~5 min
Tip: Choose lotus root that is firm and free of blemishes. - 3
Slice the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms. If they are large, you can quarter them; otherwise, slice them thinly. Discard the tough stems.
~3 min
Tip: Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid to add to the soup for extra flavor. - 4
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the lotus root slices, shiitake mushrooms, pitted red dates, and ginger slices.
~2 min
Tip: A heavy-bottomed pot will help distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching. - 5
Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. If you reserved the mushroom soaking liquid, add it now for added depth of flavor.
~1 min
Tip: If you don't have enough broth, you can add water to cover the ingredients. - 6
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, until the lotus root is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
~60 min
Tip: The longer you simmer the soup, the richer and more flavorful it will become. - 7
After simmering, taste the soup and season with salt and white pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, as the flavors will continue to develop.
~2 min
Tip: White pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice without overpowering the other flavors. - 8
Remove the ginger slices before serving, as they have already imparted their flavor to the soup.
~1 min
Tip: You can discard the ginger slices or save them to add to another dish. - 9
Just before serving, stir in a teaspoon of sesame oil for added aroma and richness. The sesame oil enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle nutty note.
~1 min
Tip: Use high-quality sesame oil for the best flavor. - 10
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. The green onions add a mild oniony flavor that complements the other ingredients.
~1 min
Tip: You can also garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The lotus root is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. The broth should be fragrant and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
While shiitake mushrooms are recommended for their distinct flavor, you can experiment with other types of mushrooms like oyster mushrooms or cremini mushrooms. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Healing Harmony: Slow-Simmered Lotus Root Soup as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!