Soups
Hairy Gourd, Cowpea, Peanut, and Dried Octopus Soup
Traditionally taken to support fluid balance in pregnancy and nourish after birth
Why people make this soup
Many expectant mothers develop swelling in the last couple of months of pregnancy, especially in the legs. Bro Niu notes that for milder cases — when you would rather not reach for herbs — this naturally sweet, nourishing soup is a lovely choice: tasty and full of goodness. It is a gentle family soup traditionally taken before and after birth.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Expectant mothers with mild swelling, and new mothers wanting a nourishing soup; Bro Niu says the whole family can enjoy it
- Marked or sudden swelling in pregnancy should always be checked by a doctor — do not rely on soup alone
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hairy gourd (jie gua): light and traditionally associated with supporting healthy fluid balance.
- Cowpea (mei dou) and peanut (hua sheng): traditionally used to support the spleen and add gentle nourishment.
- Dried scallop and dried octopus (yao zhu, zhang yu): add savoury depth and are traditionally seen as nourishing.
- Honey date and tangerine peel (mi zao, chen pi): round out and balance the soup.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls, family-sized)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hairy gourd (jie gua) | 2 | Scrape off the skin, cut into pieces |
| Cowpeas (mei dou) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Peanuts (hua sheng) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Dried scallops (yao zhu) | 4 | Soak and rinse |
| Dried octopus (zhang yu) | 2 liang (~75 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3 | |
| Tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece |
Method
- Scrape the skin off the hairy gourd and cut into pieces; soak and rinse all the other ingredients.
- Put everything into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Boil for about 2 hours down to about 4 bowls.
- Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
The whole family can enjoy this soup, and it is especially helpful for new mothers whose milk supply is low. Adding a few figs to the soup ingredients can further support milk supply.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (张妈妈): For the winter-melon peel, poria peel, and ginger-peel tea (each 1 liang) plus 8 red dates, how much water, what heat, and how long? Can people with high blood pressure or diabetes drink it? Bro Niu: With diabetes, do not use too many red dates — use 4. Cook with 5 bowls of water for 40 minutes down to 2 bowls, and drink in portions over the day.
Published October 9, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
