Soups
Watercress, Golden Luo Han Guo and Dried Duck Gizzard Soup
Traditionally taken to clear heat, moisten the lungs and ease dryness
Why people make this soup
In cold weather we cluster around hotpot and barbecue, and the rich food piles up before we notice. That kind of eating not only raises body fat and cholesterol, it also leaves many people feeling “heaty” — dry mouth, mouth ulcers, constipation, sticky eyes, breakouts, a short temper. Bro Niu brews this soup to bring things back into balance: clearing heat while gently moistening the lungs.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people feeling “heaty” after rich meals, or wanting to head off dry-lung coughs and sore throats.
- Sweet and gentle, welcomed by all ages. If symptoms persist, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Watercress (xi yang cai): traditionally used to clear heat and moisten dryness in the lungs.
- Golden luo han guo / monk fruit (jin luo han guo): classically associated with clearing heat, soothing the throat and easing cough.
- South almonds (nan xing): used to moisten the lungs.
- Dried duck gizzard (chen ya shen): adds savour and is traditionally said to aid digestion.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Watercress | ~300 g | Washed, cut into sections |
| Golden luo han guo | 1 | Rinsed, broken open and crushed |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| South almonds | ~38 g | Rinsed |
| Dried duck gizzards | 2 | Blanched |
| Pork shin | 1 | Cut into chunks, blanched |
Method
- Wash the watercress and cut into sections. Rinse the luo han guo, break it open and crush. Peel and chunk the carrot. Rinse the almonds. Blanch the dried duck gizzards together with the chunked pork shin.
- Put everything except the watercress in a pot with 9 bowls of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the watercress, return to the boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 2 hours until reduced to about 4–5 bowls. Eat both soup and ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is sweet and tasty, fine for all ages. The watercress must go into already-boiling water — otherwise the soup turns bitter and astringent.
Published January 15, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
