Baby Corn, Chayote and Fresh Fish Soup

Why people make this soup

Baby corn — the tender corn ears also called “pearl bamboo shoots” (zhen zhu sun) — is traditionally valued as a diuretic and is associated with supporting people who have chronic kidney concerns. Nourilo pairs it with chayote and a fresh fish to make a clearing, gently diuretic soup the whole family can share. It is mild and savory rather than medicinal-tasting.

Method

1. Gut and clean the fish; pan-fry in a little oil until fragrant, then place it in a soup bag (to keep the broth clear of bones).
2. Peel the chayote and cut into chunks. Rinse the baby corn.
3. Put everything in a pot with 2.4 L of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 1.2 L.
4. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is clearing and diuretic, suitable for the whole family. If you cannot find baby corn, whole corn works — de-husk it and simmer with the corn silk for best effect. Hairy gourd (jit gua) can also stand in for chayote.