Soups
Kudzu, Corn, Red Bean and Pork Bone Soup
Traditionally used to drain dampness, ease puffiness and support healthy blood pressure, sugar and lipids
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu buys kudzu root to make soup now and then because its food-therapy reputation is excellent — it is traditionally used to generate fluids and quench thirst, promote urination and drain dampness, and is associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids, easing a stiff, sore neck and shoulders, and reviving a poor appetite. That makes it a favourite at the change of seasons. Today he picked up half a kudzu root, found white jade corn going cheap, and paired them with pork shoulder bone plus red beans and hyacinth beans, both traditionally used to drain water, ease puffiness and support the spleen — a comforting bowl traditionally enjoyed against the “three highs” and for easing dampness and water retention.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People prone to puffiness or water retention, those watching their blood pressure, sugar and lipids, and (per the source) women with swollen legs or raised blood pressure in late pregnancy.
- A gentle, sweet family soup, good for young and old.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Kudzu root (fen ge): Traditionally used to generate fluids, clear heat and ease a stiff, sore neck and shoulders; associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, sugar and lipids.
- Corn (su mi): Adds natural sweetness and is traditionally used to support urination.
- Red beans and hyacinth beans (chi xiao dou, bian dou): Traditionally used to drain water, ease puffiness and support the spleen.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Traditionally used to move qi and resolve phlegm.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kudzu root | ~300 g | peeled, cut into chunks |
| Corn | 2 ears | husked |
| Red beans | ~38 g | soaked and rinsed |
| Hyacinth beans | ~38 g | soaked and rinsed |
| Dried tangerine peel | 1 piece | soaked and rinsed |
| Pork shoulder bone | ~450 g | blanched |
Method
- Peel the kudzu root and cut into chunks; husk the corn.
- Soak and rinse the red beans, hyacinth beans and dried tangerine peel; blanch the pork shoulder bone.
- Place everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Cook for 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and tasty, good for young and old. It is traditionally considered helpful for women with swollen legs or raised blood pressure in late pregnancy.
Published August 28, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
