Soups
Black-Eyed Pea, Peanut and Shiitake Soup
Traditionally promotes urination and is associated with easing puffiness
Why people make this soup
Some people drink too much water or soup at night and wake up puffy the next morning — often a sign the body is moving fluids slowly. Bro Niu’s answer is black-eyed peas, which in the southern Chinese tradition are valued for promoting urination and easing puffiness. The darker black-eyed pea is regarded as more effective than the pale kind; combined with peanuts, shiitake and cashews, the soup is both nourishing and traditionally associated with supporting the kidney and lower back.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who notice morning puffiness or feel the body holds onto fluid.
- Traditionally considered beneficial for those minding their kidney health (supportive only — see your doctor for any diagnosed condition).
- Because the soup is full of beans and nuts, the tangerine peel is added to help move qi and prevent bloating.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Black-eyed peas, black variety (hei mei dou): traditionally associated with promoting urination and easing puffiness; the black type is regarded as stronger.
- Peanuts (hua sheng) & cashews (yao guo): add nourishment; cashews are linked to supporting the kidney.
- Shiitake (dong gu): add savoury depth; the dried form is preferred for its stronger character.
- Tangerine peel (chen pi): traditionally helps move qi so the beans and nuts sit lighter.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black-eyed peas, black (hei mei dou) | 1 tael (~38 g) | Plain black-eyed peas work if you can’t find the black type |
| Peanuts (hua sheng) | 1 tael (~38 g) | |
| Cashews (yao guo) | 1 tael (~38 g) | |
| Dried shiitake (dong gu) | 6 | Dried preferred over fresh |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 | |
| Tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | |
| Dried scallops (yao zhu) | 3 | |
| Water | 8 bowls | Reduce to 4 bowls |
Method
- Soak and rinse all the ingredients.
- Simmer in 8 bowls of water for about 2 hours, down to 4 bowls. Serve the soup together with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally considered beneficial for those minding their kidney health. If you cannot find the black-eyed pea’s black variety, ordinary black-eyed peas are fine. Since the pot is full of beans and nuts, add the tangerine peel to help move qi.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Celine): Is this soup suitable for a 13-month-old baby? Can I add chicken feet or pork shin and have the whole family drink it? Bro Niu: A 13-month-old can have half a bowl. You can add pork shin or chicken feet.
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Q (Daphne): I only have white black-eyed peas at home — is that okay? Can I add dried mussels? Bro Niu: You can use white black-eyed peas and add dried mussels.
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Q (reader): Are black beans the same as black-eyed peas? Bro Niu: They are different — look closely: black-eyed peas have a white “brow” stripe, while black beans are black all over. If you can’t find black-eyed peas, ordinary white ones are fine.
Published February 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
