Soups
Kudzu Root, Adzuki Bean, Job's Tears and Pork Rib Soup
traditionally clears heat, relieves dampness, and eases stiff neck and shoulders
Why people make this soup
Scorching summer heat doesn’t just make you sweat — it tightens muscles, clouds the mind, and stirs up irritability and restlessness. In Cantonese food therapy, this kind of heat-and-tension pattern is precisely where kudzu root (fen ge) shines. Kudzu is traditionally used to cool the body, clear “bone fire” (deep internal heat), calm the stomach, and, notably, ease stiff neck and shoulder pain that can come from both heat exposure and long hours in cold air-conditioning. Paired with adzuki beans and Job’s tears for draining dampness, and a piece of dried tangerine peel to keep the digestion smooth, this is one of the most versatile summer soups in the Cantonese repertoire.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Excellent for the whole family, from young children (small portions) to elders — the soup is sweet, mild, and nourishing.
- Particularly useful in humid climates or when spending time between outdoor heat and heavy air-conditioning.
- People managing high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or diabetes are suitable candidates, according to traditional food-therapy guidance.
- If pregnant, replace Job’s tears with green mung beans (lu dou) — Job’s tears are not recommended during pregnancy.
- The soup must be cooked for the full 2 hours to ensure the cooling properties are fully mellowed and will not harm the kidneys or cause excessive sweating.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Kudzu root (fen ge, Pueraria montana): The star ingredient. Traditionally used to generate fluids, clear heat from the muscles and stomach, relieve stiffness in the neck and upper back, and improve the gut after being eaten alongside the soup. Eating the boiled kudzu is just as important as drinking the broth.
- Adzuki beans (chi xiao dou): Small red beans distinctly different from red kidney beans. Traditionally used to drain fluid, clear heat, and support healthy urination. One of the few beans considered safe for people with gout, as it is associated with inhibiting uric acid.
- Job’s tears / coix seed (sheng yi mi, Coix lacryma-jobi): Drains dampness, supports spleen function, and promotes comfortable urination. A core dampness-clearing grain in Chinese food therapy.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Regulates qi, aids digestion, and prevents the soup from becoming too heavy or causing bloating.
- Pork ribs (pai gu): Provide depth of flavour and protein; ribs are richer in minerals than lean pork and create a naturally sweet broth.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kudzu root (fen ge) | ~600 g | Peel and cut into large chunks; don’t worry about scrubbing perfectly |
| Adzuki beans (chi xiao dou) | ~75 g | Soak 30 min; pregnant women replace with mung beans |
| Raw Job’s tears (sheng yi mi) | ~38 g | Soak 30 min |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Soak briefly to soften |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanch first to remove impurities |
| Water | 10 bowls (~1.9 L) |
Method
- Peel and trim the tough outer skin from the kudzu root; cut into large chunks and rinse.
- Soak the adzuki beans, Job’s tears, and tangerine peel in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- Bring a pot of water to the boil. Blanch the pork ribs briefly, then drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients in a large pot with 10 bowls of fresh water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer. Cook for 2 hours, yielding about 4–5 bowls.
- Serve warm. Eat the kudzu root and beans alongside the soup for full benefit.
Bro Niu’s tips
The kudzu must be cooked for the full 2 hours. Undercooked kudzu soup can be too harsh — it will not clear heat gently, and it may cause excessive sweating if the cooking time is cut short. This soup is naturally sweet and mild; the whole family can enjoy it together. It pairs especially well as a summer staple for households in humid, tropical climates.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (yannis): My husband has diabetes and his skin has been very itchy lately. What soups would you recommend? Bro Niu: This kudzu soup is a good choice. To strengthen the effect, you can add 2 oz of fresh tu fu ling (smilax rhizome) or 5 qian of the dried form.
-
Q (仪): Can someone with gout drink this soup? Bro Niu: Adzuki beans are one of the only beans recommended for gout patients — they are traditionally associated with inhibiting uric acid. This soup is suitable.
-
Q (fanny50631): What are the quantities for 6 people? Bro Niu: Use 12 oz of pork ribs and 11–12 bowls of water, cooking for 2 hours until you get 6 bowls. The other ingredients stay the same.
Published May 29, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
