Soups
Beetroot, Onion, Tomato & Potato Soup with Pork
Traditionally used to nourish blood, support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar balance
Why people make this soup
Beetroot pairs naturally with tomato, potato, and onion to create a naturally sweet, richly colored broth that is as satisfying as it looks. The combination of vibrant vegetables with Cantonese slow-cooking technique produces something between a traditional slow-cooked soup and a light Borscht — equally good served as a warming family meal or a nourishing weeknight staple. Juicing or eating beetroot raw is the most nutrient-preserving approach, but for a cool day, a long-simmered pot makes a deeply comforting choice.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family, including children and elderly; traditionally helpful for those with blood deficiency, a pale complexion, or high blood pressure and high blood lipids
- Postpartum mothers can drink this soup
- People recovering from flu are welcome to drink this once they are better — adding red kidney beans makes it even more nourishing for blood
- Pregnant women should avoid beetroot (it has a mild blood-moving quality); substitute carrot for a safe and equally delicious version
- Those on blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor before making dietary changes
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Beetroot (hong cai tou): Rich in folate, iron, potassium, and natural nitrates; traditionally associated with nourishing blood, regulating the body’s acid-alkaline balance, supporting cardiovascular health, and anti-aging properties; also believed to have anti-cancer potential
- Onion (yang cong): One of the most accessible “super vegetables” in Western and Chinese kitchens alike; associated with supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure
- Tomato (fan qie): High in lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) and vitamin C; the acidity protects the vitamin C even during long cooking
- Potato (shu zai): Provides body to the soup and is a source of potassium and B vitamins; traditionally considered neutral and easy on the stomach
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks; include stems & leaves if present |
| Onion | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Tomatoes | 2–3 medium | Cut into chunks |
| Potato | 2 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | approx. 300 g | Cut into chunks, blanched first |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 1.6 L) |
Method
- Cut pork shin into chunks; blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain.
- Peel and cut beetroot into chunks; if leaves and stems are available, cut them into sections as well.
- Rinse and cut tomatoes into chunks. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
- Place all ingredients in a soup pot with 8 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours until the soup reduces to about 4 bowls. Serve the soup together with the vegetables and meat.
Bro Niu’s tips
Eating the soup solids alongside the broth is important — the nutrients from the beetroot, tomato, and vegetables enrich both the liquid and the solids. Tomato’s vitamin C is protected by its natural acidity, so it remains nutritious even after long cooking. Leftovers: store the soup and solids separately overnight; bring both back to a boil together the next day for best results. Adding red kidney beans to this soup makes it an even more potent blood-building dish.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Mrs Tsang): Is this soup suitable for pregnant women in early pregnancy, with a slice of ginger added? Bro Niu: In early pregnancy, it is better to avoid beetroot because it has a mild blood-moving, stasis-clearing quality. Pregnant women can substitute carrot for an equally delicious and safe soup.
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Q (yoko): My 4.5-year-old child just recovered from flu. Can she drink this soup to improve her complexion and build up her immunity? Bro Niu: Once the flu has passed, she can certainly have this soup. Adding some red kidney beans when cooking makes it even better for building blood.
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Q (jenny1010): Can a postpartum mother drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable for postpartum mothers.
Published December 2, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
