Adzuki Bean, Black-Eyed Pea, Job's Tears and Old Cucumber Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo here. In the heat of summer I love using gourds and melons in soup, and old cucumber and winter melon are both fine summer choices. Old cucumber is a favourite of mine — and a little tip: the two ends of a cucumber carry a touch of bitterness, but do not be too quick to cut it away, as that mild bitter note is part of what makes it good. Paired with adzuki bean, black-eyed pea and Job’s tears, this soup is traditionally enjoyed in hot, sticky weather, especially when you feel restless with dark, scanty urine and a touch of puffiness.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the adzuki beans, black-eyed peas and Job’s tears. Scrape the pith from the old cucumber and cut into pieces. Pit the red dates. Blanch the pork ribs.
2. Cook all the ingredients in 2.4–2.7 L of water for 2 hours, reducing to 1.2–1.5 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

The red dates added here soften the cool nature of old cucumber, so it is fine for young and old. You can use 2 honey dates instead of the red dates if you prefer.