Soups
Baby Corn, Chayote and Fresh Fish Soup
A clearing, diuretic soup traditionally used to support those with kidney concerns
Why people make this soup
Baby corn — the tender corn ears also called “pearl bamboo shoots” (zhen zhu sun) — is traditionally valued as a diuretic and is associated with supporting people who have chronic kidney concerns. Bro Niu pairs it with chayote and a fresh fish to make a clearing, gently diuretic soup the whole family can share. It is mild and savory rather than medicinal-tasting.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- The whole family; traditionally chosen to support those managing kidney concerns
- Bro Niu has said this soup is also fine for people on dialysis and is associated with supporting those with diabetes
- For a vegetarian version, swap the fish for soybeans or soy products
- Anyone with a diagnosed kidney condition should follow their doctor’s advice
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Baby corn / corn ears (zhen zhu sun): traditionally diuretic and associated with supporting kidney health
- Chayote (he zhang gua): a mild, clearing melon-vegetable
- Fresh fish (xian yu): adds savory body; lightly pan-frying it first makes a sweeter, less fishy broth
- Ginger (sheng jiang): balances the cooling nature of the vegetables
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby corn / corn ears | ~75 g | Rinsed; you may also use whole corn with the silk |
| Chayote | 2 | Peeled, chunked |
| Fresh fish (ox-loach or other) | ~600 g | Gutted and cleaned |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Gut and clean the fish; pan-fry in a little oil until fragrant, then place it in a soup bag (to keep the broth clear of bones).
- Peel the chayote and cut into chunks. Rinse the baby corn.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clearing and diuretic, suitable for the whole family. If you cannot find baby corn, whole corn works — de-husk it and simmer with the corn silk for best effect. Hairy gourd (jit gua) can also stand in for chayote.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (reader): Can someone on kidney dialysis drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, dialysis patients can drink this soup.
-
Q (Chanmay): Can I use hairy gourd instead, and add corn silk on top of the baby corn? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use hairy gourd and add corn silk — no problem.
-
Q (reader): I cannot find baby corn — can I use ordinary corn instead? Bro Niu: You can use ordinary corn; it is best to remove the husk and simmer it together with the corn silk.
Published May 13, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
