Soups
Fresh Burdock, Green Radish and Chinese Olive Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally associated with clearing heat and soothing the throat
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu spotted slim, fine fresh burdock at the market — more fragrant than the thick stalks, and when you slice it open you catch a faint ginseng-like scent, which is why it’s nicknamed “Eastern ginseng.” In traditional thinking burdock is associated with dispersing wind-heat and soothing the throat, and modern study notes it is rich in minerals and vitamins. Simmered with throat-friendly Chinese olive, green radish, dried fig and corn, it makes a clear, comforting soup for when the throat feels rough.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits the whole family; especially comforting when the throat feels sore, scratchy or hoarse
- Traditionally regarded as friendly to people watching blood sugar, blood lipids, or general cardiovascular health
- A gentle, food-based soup; if symptoms are severe or do not settle, please see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh burdock (niu bang): “Eastern ginseng,” traditionally associated with dispersing wind-heat and soothing the throat; it is also notably high in calcium among root vegetables
- Chinese olive (qing lan): traditionally used to clear heat and ease throat discomfort
- Green radish (qing luo bo): cooling and traditionally throat-soothing
- Dried figs and corn (wu hua guo, su mi): add natural sweetness and body so the soup is easy to enjoy
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh burdock root (niu bang) | ~113 g (3 liang) | Washed, cut into sections |
| Green radish (qing luo bo) | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Chinese olives (qing lan) | 10 | Lightly crushed with the flat of a knife |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 3 | Rinsed |
| Sweet corn (su mi) | 1 ear | Husked, cut into chunks |
| Pork ribs (pai gu) | ~300 g | Blanched |
Method
- Wash the burdock and cut into sections.
- Peel the green radish and cut into chunks.
- Lightly crush the Chinese olives with the flat of a knife; rinse the figs; husk and chunk the corn.
- Blanch the pork ribs.
- Put everything in a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours down to 4 bowls; serve the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Burdock has the highest calcium of the root vegetables, traditionally seen as good for the bones. This clear, sweet soup is also considered friendly to people with diabetes, higher blood lipids, or cardiovascular concerns. Homemakers and cooks who spend long hours over a gas flame may enjoy it too.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous): My child has had a bit too much “heating” food lately — I want something that cools a little without being too cold. Would tai zi shen, sea coconut, polygonatum, southern dates and barley with a little rock sugar work? Bro Niu: To clear a child’s “heat” gently, a simple imperata-sugarcane-carrot sugar water works well and isn’t too cold. The combination you mention is also fine; no need to add astragalus.
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Q (Ling): Lately I’m dry-mouthed and thirsty, with dry eyes and morning eye discharge, and some bloating — any food therapy to ease it? Bro Niu: Try fresh dendrobium (shi hu) ~38 g (or ~11 g dried), a tablespoon of American ginseng slices, huai shan ~38 g and goji ~7 g simmered with lean pork for an hour, adding the ginseng near the end; 2–3 batches. It is traditionally used to nourish yin, support qi and brighten the eyes. A chrysanthemum-mulberry tea can also help with liver heat.
Published August 15, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
