Soups
Enoki, Chayote and Walnut Vegetable Soup
traditionally taken to support brain health and concentration
Why people make this soup
Enoki mushrooms are nicknamed the “wisdom mushroom” and are one of the few vegetables that supply vitamin B12, which is associated with memory and concentration. Bro Niu pairs them with ingredients that traditionally strengthen the spleen and nourish the blood, making a vegetarian pot that is light, tasty and lifts the spirits.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits all ages; light, mellow and easy to drink.
- Gout sufferers should use enoki sparingly (it is high in purines). The soup is also high in potassium, so those with kidney conditions should not over-indulge.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Enoki (jin zhen gu): Supplies vitamin B12, traditionally associated with supporting memory, focus and brain health.
- Chayote (he zhang gua): A gentle, well-rounded melon that lightens and balances the soup.
- Sweet corn (su mi): Naturally sweet, rounds out the flavor and nourishes.
- Walnut (he tao rou): Long associated in food therapy with supporting the brain.
- Red-skin peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): Traditionally used to nourish the blood.
Ingredients (1 pot, about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enoki mushrooms | 1 bundle | Trim root ends, rinse |
| Chayote | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Sweet corn | 2 cobs | Husked, cut into pieces |
| Walnut kernels | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Red-skin peanuts | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soaked and rinsed |
Method
- Trim the root ends off the enoki and rinse clean. Peel and chunk the chayote; husk and cut the corn; soak and rinse the walnuts and peanuts.
- Put everything except the enoki into a pot with 7 bowls of water and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the enoki and boil 5 minutes more. Serve the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, soothing and good for young and old. But remember: enoki is high in purines, so gout sufferers should keep it light, and it is also high in potassium, so those with kidney problems should not over-indulge.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Ada): Work has been so busy I can’t get home for meals and have been eating out, and now I’ve lost my appetite. What can I eat to bring it back? Bro Niu: Cook a red-date and millet congee — it’s wonderful for the spleen and stomach; adding a little lotus-root starch makes it even better. If your tongue coating is white, thick and greasy, simmer poria, atractylodes and hyacinth-bean coat in water to strengthen the spleen and clear damp.
Published September 14, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
