Soups
Watercress, Fig, Dried Duck Gizzard and Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally used to clear heat and moisten the lungs
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu loves watercress — in soup, in dumplings, in wontons. In the hot season when watercress is in season, he buys a bunch: the tender tips go into dumplings, the rest into soup. When the weather turns sweltering and the body feels heaty with a dry throat, this soup is a welcome relief. Watercress is traditionally seen as cooling and lung-moistening, and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and lutein.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with lung-heat cough, throat discomfort, or that “heaty” feeling in hot weather; also said to suit those with high blood pressure.
- Delicious and broadly suitable for young and old; enjoy as part of a balanced diet.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Watercress (xi yang cai): Traditionally used to clear heat and moisten the lungs; rich in antioxidants and lutein to support cell health.
- Figs (wu hua guo): Sweet and moistening, traditionally used to soothe the throat.
- Dried duck gizzard (chen ya shen): Adds savory depth and is traditionally used to aid digestion.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Traditionally used to regulate qi and balance the soup.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Watercress | ~300 g | Add last, into boiling soup |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Dried figs | 4 | Soaked and rinsed |
| Dried duck gizzards | 2 | Blanched |
| Dried tangerine peel | 1 piece | Soaked and rinsed |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanched |
Method
- Rinse the watercress; peel and chunk the carrot; soak and rinse the figs and tangerine peel; blanch the duck gizzards and pork ribs.
- Place all ingredients except the watercress into 8 bowls of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the watercress; once it boils again, lower to medium-low heat and cook about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is very tasty, suitable for young and old, and is also said to suit those with high blood pressure. Be sure to add the watercress to boiling water — otherwise the soup can taste slightly bitter and astringent.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Lily): I’ve been coughing lately but with no phlegm — can I drink golden monk-fruit water? Bro Niu: You can cook monk fruit with apple water — apple supports healthy vital energy.
Published July 9, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
