Soups
Water Chestnut, Malt, and Corn Soup
traditionally used to ease food accumulation, support the spleen, and relieve digestive discomfort in children
Why people make this soup
When a child suddenly loses interest in eating, holds food in their mouth for a long time without swallowing, develops noticeably bad breath, or goes through bouts of both bloating and irregular bowel movements, traditional Chinese food-therapy often attributes this to “food accumulation” — a state where the spleen and stomach struggle to process what the child has eaten. Excessive sweet or greasy foods, insufficient chewing, and teething (which changes how much saliva a child produces) can all contribute. This simple, pleasant-tasting soup uses two classic digestive herbs — rice sprouts and barley malt — alongside water chestnuts and corn to gently support the digestive system without being harsh on a small child’s stomach.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited for children of all ages who show signs of poor digestion; the whole family can also enjoy this mild soup
- Even young infants with digestive discomfort can have a small amount as a drink between feeds
- Nursing mothers should avoid this soup: barley malt (mai ya) is traditionally associated with reducing breast milk supply
- This soup is mildly beneficial and safe for regular use; Bro Niu often recommends it 2 times per week
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Rice sprouts (gu ya): The germinated grain of rice; traditionally used to stimulate appetite, support spleen function, and gently break down starchy food accumulation.
- Barley malt sprouts (mai ya): One of the most widely used digestive herbs in Chinese food-therapy; traditionally used to support breakdown of starchy and sweet foods, ease bloating, and promote appetite. Use unroasted (un-stir-fried) for this recipe.
- Water chestnuts (ma ti): Contain crude protein and starch compounds; in food-therapy, associated with promoting intestinal movement, easing constipation, and even clearing traces of heavy metals (particularly lead) from the body.
- Corn (su mi): Naturally sweet and gentle; associated with supporting the stomach and promoting healthy fluid metabolism.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Mildly sweet and moistening; support the lungs and bowels, and add natural sweetness without excessive sugar.
Ingredients (2 bowls — for 1 child, to be taken over one day)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice sprouts (gu ya) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse before use |
| Barley malt sprouts (mai ya) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse; use unroasted |
| Corn on the cob | 1 | Husk, keep silk, rinse and cut into sections |
| Water chestnuts | 5–6 pieces | Peel and slice |
| Dried figs | 3 pieces | Slice open |
| Water | 5 bowls (~1 litre) |
Method
- Rinse the rice sprouts and barley malt, then soak briefly in water.
- Peel and slice the water chestnuts. Husk the corn, rinse, and cut into sections. Slice the dried figs.
- Combine all ingredients with 5 bowls of water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve to the child in divided amounts throughout the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
Water chestnuts are genuinely useful for children prone to constipation — they contain natural compounds that encourage the intestines to move along. Because water chestnuts can also help clear trace amounts of lead from the body, making this soup from time to time is a good habit for urban families. Rice sprouts (gu ya) are different from just “gu ya” — the same character can sometimes cause confusion, but both terms refer to the same sprouted rice grain. Use the plain, unroasted version of barley malt for this recipe.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (reader): Should rice sprouts and barley malt be used in the stir-fried (roasted) form? Bro Niu: No — use the plain, unroasted version.
-
Q (reader): The amounts listed — is it 5 qian for both grains together, or 5 qian of each? Bro Niu: It is 5 qian of rice sprouts AND 5 qian of barley malt — each measured separately.
-
Q (reader): Can nursing mothers drink this? Bro Niu: Barley malt and rice sprouts added to soup are fine in general, but nursing mothers should avoid them — they have a traditional association with reducing milk supply.
Published April 26, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
