Spaghetti Squash, Guava and Corn Soup

Why people make this soup

Spaghetti squash (yu chi gua) is a curious vegetable — its bright green exterior and hard shell look very much like a winter melon, but crack it open and the flesh separates into golden, crunchy, noodle-like strands. It is actually a variety of pumpkin, and its low calorie, high-fibre profile has made it popular with people watching their weight or blood sugar.

Bro Niu combines it here with guava — a tropical fruit with a well-established reputation in traditional food practice for blood sugar support — and sweet corn, which adds natural sweetness and fibre. Together with lean pork broth, this is a soup that manages to taste satisfying and almost sweet while remaining very light.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for the whole family; especially useful for those managing weight, blood sugar, or blood pressure
• Also beneficial for those experiencing constipation
• People with kidney disease should use guava cautiously, as it is high in potassium — substitute with carrot if needed
• Spaghetti squash belongs to the pumpkin family and is mildly warming in nature; it is generally suitable for most constitutions

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Spaghetti squash (yu chi gua): A pumpkin variety with crisp, fibrous flesh; in food therapy it is associated with tonifying middle qi, clearing heat, supporting healthy metabolism, and regulating blood sugar; its fibre aids bowel regularity
• Guava (fan shi liu): Low in glycaemic index and high in dietary fibre and vitamin C; in folk food therapy it has a longstanding reputation for supporting blood sugar regulation and immune function; the seeds and skin are especially fibre-rich
• Sweet corn (su mi): Provides soluble fibre, vitamin B complex, and a gentle natural sweetness; the corn silk (husks and threads) is even more potent for blood sugar and urinary health if available
• Lean pork (shou rou): Adds protein and gives the broth its savoury body without excessive fat

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spaghetti squash (yu chi gua)	half a squash (~400–600 g)	Wash, halve, remove seeds, cut into chunks
Guava (fan shi liu)	2 pieces	Wash and cut into chunks; kidney patients substitute with carrot
Sweet corn	1 cob	Remove husks and silk; cut into rounds
Lean pork	300 g	Slice and blanch briefly
Water	7 bowls (approx. 1.4 L)

Method

1. Wash the spaghetti squash, cut in half and remove the seeds, then cut into large chunks.
2. Wash the guava and cut into chunks.
3. Remove the husk from the corn and cut into rounds.
4. Slice the lean pork and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients in a soup pot with 7 bowls of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1.5 hours.
7. Serve warm. Eat both the broth and the ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is good for the whole family and suitable for people of all ages. If kidney disease is a concern, reduce or omit the guava (which is high in potassium) and substitute with carrot. Note that while sweet corn in a soup is enjoyable, the most effective part of the corn plant for blood sugar and urinary support is actually the fresh corn silk and the cob core (the part you usually discard). If you can get fresh corn with the silk still attached, Bro Niu suggests simmering the silk and cob in water separately as a daily tea — this is even more targeted for blood sugar management.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (scy): Is spaghetti squash very cooling? Should I add ginger when cooking? Bro Niu: Spaghetti squash is a variety of pumpkin and is actually mildly warming in nature — no need to worry about it being too cooling.

• Q (lung): Can spaghetti squash be cooked with lotus seeds and snow fungus? Bro Niu: Yes, spaghetti squash (a type of pumpkin) works well with lotus seeds, snow fungus, and red dates.

• Q (Ivyso2688): You mentioned kidney patients should limit guava. What can I substitute for the guava in this recipe? Bro Niu: Substitute with carrot — red carrot works well in this soup.

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Published April 4, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.