Beetroot, Vegetable & Cashew Soup

Why people make this soup

Beetroot is having a well-deserved moment in Western wellness circles, but Bro Niu has been cooking with it for years. In traditional Chinese food therapy, beetroot is valued for its ability to support the liver, promote healthy fat metabolism in that organ, and build blood. The twist in this recipe is the cashew nuts: vitamins A and E in the vegetables are fat-soluble — they dissolve in fat rather than water, which means much of their value stays in the vegetables rather than leaching into a fat-free broth. Adding a handful of cashews provides just enough natural fat to carry those vitamins into the soup, making it more nutritionally complete. The result is a colourful, slightly sweet soup with a clean taste that genuinely works as a regular family meal.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for everyone — this is one of Bro Niu’s “old-young-all-welcome” soups; pregnant women can also drink it
• Particularly useful for those with pale complexion, low energy, digestive weakness, or declining vision
• Also beneficial for people with fatty liver concerns, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular conditions — for those with high blood sugar, beetroot in modest amounts is generally fine
• Note: both beetroot and red dragon fruit can temporarily colour urine and stools pink or red — this is harmless; do not be alarmed

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Beetroot (hong cai tou): Contains natural betalains (antioxidant pigments), folate, and iron; associated in Chinese tradition with nourishing the blood, activating blood circulation, and supporting liver health
• Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene; associated with nourishing blood and supporting eye health
• Tomato: Contains lycopene and vitamin C; a cooling, liver-supporting vegetable
• Cabbage: High in calcium and gentle on the stomach; green cabbage, napa cabbage, or baby cabbage can all be used
• Cashew nuts: Provide healthy unsaturated fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins A and E from the vegetables into the broth

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Beetroot	1 medium	Peeled and cut into chunks
Carrot	1 medium	Peeled and cut into chunks
Tomatoes	2 medium	Peeled and cut into chunks
Cabbage	1/4 head	Washed and cut into pieces; napa or baby cabbage also work
Cashew nuts	~75 g (2 liang)	No soaking needed
Water	8 bowls (~2 L)

Method

1. Peel and cut the beetroot, carrot, and tomatoes into chunks.
2. Wash and cut the cabbage into rough pieces.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1.5 hours.
5. Serve warm; eat both the soup and the vegetables.

Bro Niu’s tips

This is one of Bro Niu’s favourite all-purpose health soups — safe for all ages, pleasant in taste, and easy to make. It supports not only skin and energy but also vision and cardiovascular health, so it works as a regular household soup rather than just a therapeutic one. If the family has someone with internal dampness, add 1 liang of white hyacinth beans (bai bian dou) to the pot. Adding dried figs or lily bulb gives a pleasant sweetness without making it too rich. Note: do not confuse beetroot (a deep red-purple globe) with the lighter-coloured pink radish sometimes sold alongside it — they have different properties.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Cola): I bought beetroot juice at a shop. Will drinking it make my urine turn red? Do I need to add something fatty to help absorb it? Bro Niu: Yes, beetroot and red dragon fruit can both make urine and stools appear reddish — this is perfectly normal and harmless. As for absorption: you already have fat in your digestive system, so you do not need to add separate fat to the juice.

• Q (匿名访客): Does beetroot help with constipation? Is there a soup that is neither too cooling nor too warming, and helps with sleep and building blood at the same time? Bro Niu: Beetroot is high in fibre and does support bowel regularity. Adding dried figs and lily bulb to this soup makes it warming-neutral, blood-nourishing, sleep-supporting, and good for constipation all at once.

• Q (Bee): Can pregnant women drink this soup? Bro Niu: Beetroot nourishes the blood; this soup is safe for pregnant women.

---

---

Published September 16, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.