Soups
Houttuynia, Dried Pear, Lily Bulb and Candied Tangerine Soup
Traditionally used to clear heat and moisten the lungs
Why people make this soup
Houttuynia smells fishy when raw — that is where its Chinese name comes from — but once cooked the smell disappears and a clean, pleasant fragrance takes its place. Bro Niu pairs it with dried snow pear, lily bulb, apricot kernels and candied tangerine for a soup that is his pick for a lung-heat cough or that stubborn cough that lingers after a cold or COVID.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a lung-heat cough, or a lingering cough after a cold or COVID
- Those wanting a gentle preventive soup; it is clear and sweet, suitable for young and old (no salt needed as there is no meat)
- Caution: remove the dried pear cores, which are said to be mildly toxic. If a fever does not settle, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Houttuynia (yu xing cao): pungent in flavour and slightly cooling; traditionally used to clear heat and toxins and support the lungs. Fresh is preferred; do not over-boil, as it contains volatile oils.
- Dried snow pear (xue li gan): drying mellows the raw pear’s coolness; traditionally moistening to the lungs.
- Lily bulb (bai he): traditionally used to moisten the lungs and calm the mind.
- Apricot kernels (nan xing) and candied tangerine (jie bing): traditionally moisten the lungs and ease a cough, and add a sweet taste.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh houttuynia | ~75 g | Or ~19 g dried; rinse, cut into sections |
| Dried snow pear | ~75 g | Soak, rinse, remove cores |
| Dried lily bulb | ~38 g | Soak and rinse |
| Sweet apricot kernels | ~38 g | Soak and rinse |
| Candied tangerine | 2 pieces | Cut into pieces |
Method
- Wash the houttuynia and cut into sections. Soak and rinse the other ingredients; core the dried pear; cut the candied tangerine into pieces.
- First simmer the dried pear, lily bulb, apricot kernels and candied tangerine in 6 bowls of water for 30 minutes.
- Add the houttuynia and simmer a further 15 minutes until reduced to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
Houttuynia contains volatile oils, so do not over-boil it. The cores of dried snow pear are mildly toxic and must be removed before use. This soup is also helpful as a gentle preventive for the lungs.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Does this houttuynia, dried-pear, candied-tangerine and lily soup need salt? Bro Niu: With no meat in it, no salt is needed.
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Q (Monnie): Can I use dried houttuynia, and is it added at the same time as the other ingredients? Bro Niu: Dried houttuynia, about 19 g, is enough.
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Q (reader): No lily bulb on hand — what can I use instead? And how long does fresh houttuynia keep in the fridge? Bro Niu: With no lily bulb, use ~11 g of mai dong (Ophiopogon) instead. Fresh houttuynia keeps 3–4 days in the fridge, and you can cook it every other day.
Published April 13, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
