Soups
Carrot and Red Date Pork Soup
Traditionally soothes persistent cough and supports respiratory comfort in children
Why people make this soup
Children who catch colds tend to keep coughing long after the infection is gone — the medicine tastes terrible, and the little ones refuse it. That is where a soup like this becomes a parent’s best friend. Carrot and red dates are both familiar, affordable, and genuinely flavourful, and together they make a naturally sweet broth that children will sip willingly. In traditional Chinese food therapy, both ingredients are associated with supporting the respiratory system and calming allergic reactions, which is why this soup is particularly recommended for allergy-driven coughs and those that drag on for weeks.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for children and adults with a persistent dry cough or allergy-related cough; safe for the whole family as a mild wellness soup
- Not suitable for those with thick yellow phlegm or productive heat-type coughs — this soup has a slightly warming nature
- For children still taking prescription medicine, this soup can complement (not replace) treatment; consult your doctor if the cough persists more than a week
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Sweet and gentle in nature; in traditional food therapy it is associated with supporting the spleen, aiding digestion, clarifying the liver, and directing rebellious qi downward to calm coughs. Modern research has also examined its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties, hence its nickname “little ginseng.”
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and sweet; traditionally support the spleen and stomach, build qi, and nourish fluids. Their cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content has been studied for potential anti-allergic properties — one reason they are paired with carrot specifically for allergy-related and persistent coughs.
- Lean pork: Adds a savoury depth and protein to keep the soup satisfying without overpowering the natural sweetness.
Ingredients (2 bowls, divided over the day)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrot | 1 medium | Peeled, sliced |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 7–8 | Pitted |
| Lean pork | 150 g (4 liang) | Sliced; blanched briefly |
Method
- Peel the carrot and slice into rounds or angled chunks.
- Pit the red dates.
- Slice the pork and blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Divide into two servings and drink over the course of one day — one bowl at a time.
Bro Niu’s tips
During epidemic seasons, this soup also works well as a general wellness drink to guard against allergy-triggered coughs. The elderly and young alike can drink it. However, avoid it if the cough is accompanied by thick, yellow phlegm — this signals a heat-type condition and a different approach is needed.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can I add tai zi shen (prince’s ginseng) to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add about 11 g (3 qian) of tai zi shen.
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Q (reader): My child has been coughing for over a month — day and night, with some phlegm — even after seeing the doctor twice. What else might help? Bro Niu: You could try fresh dragon tongue leaf (xian long li ye) about 37 g, chuanbei (chuan bei) about 11 g, south and north apricot kernels (nan bei xing) about 37 g, 1–2 cored apples, and one piece of dried tangerine peel simmered into a pork broth. The whole family can drink it; it helps clear lung heat and ease coughing. Try two servings and see if there is improvement.
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Q (reader): My son had a bronchial infection and keeps clearing his throat. What would help? Bro Niu: Try one-quarter of a luo han guo (monk fruit), some south and north apricot kernels (about 18 g total), and a cored snow pear, simmered in 4 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. Take over the course of the day, for three consecutive servings. This combination helps clear heat and dissolve phlegm.
Published March 17, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
