Soups
Basil Leaf, Fresh Turmeric and Fish Head Soup
traditionally associated with sharpening appetite, aiding digestion, and supporting cognitive clarity
Why people make this soup
Basil is one of those herbs with so many names that even experienced cooks sometimes get confused — in Thailand it is called “holy basil” and used liberally in stir-fries; in the Cantonese-speaking world it is known as “nine-storey tower” (九层塔); in Chaoshan cuisine it is called “golden not-for-trade” (金不换); and in northern China it goes by yet another name entirely. The botanical name is simply Ocimum basilicum. What all these traditions share is the recognition that this aromatic herb has a remarkable ability to awaken the appetite, clear digestive stagnation, and dispel dampness.
Bro Niu combines fresh basil with fresh turmeric root and fish head to create a deeply aromatic soup whose smell alone is extraordinary — warm, golden, and completely appetite-opening. Traditional Chinese food therapy considers regular consumption of this soup to also support cognitive sharpness and help prevent mental fog with ageing.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits most adults and children; good for those with sluggish digestion, poor appetite, or a tendency to gas and bloating
- Warming and aromatic in nature; those with yin deficiency marked by a very dry mouth, red tongue, or persistent fatigue should use cautiously
- Not suitable during active flu, fever, or when feeling overheated
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Basil (luo le ye): Its intense aromatic quality is considered in food therapy to “transform dampness” — helping the digestive system move and absorb more efficiently; traditionally supports secretion of digestive enzymes, intestinal motility, and relief from excessive gas and nausea
- Fresh turmeric root (huang jiang): The fresh root (not the dried powder) is used here; contains curcumin and essential oils that modern research has linked to anti-inflammatory properties; in traditional Chinese food therapy it is warming, aids circulation, and supports digestion; fresh turmeric can be found at organic vegetable markets and Southeast Asian grocery shops
- Fish head (da yu tou): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, gelatinous collagen, and protein; provides the deeply satisfying, milky broth base; in Chinese food therapy the fish head in particular is associated with brain nourishment
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh basil leaves | 75 g (2 liang) | Pick only the leaves; rinse well |
| Fresh turmeric root | 37 g (1 liang) | Wash unpeeled; slice into rounds |
| Large fish head | 1 head | Cleaned, cut in sections; pan-fried before adding |
| Water | 4 bowls (approx. 800 mL) | |
| A little oil for pan-frying | ||
| Salt and seasoning | to taste |
Method
- Clean and cut the fish head into sections. Pan-fry in a little oil until lightly golden on both sides; this removes the fishy odour and creates a richer, milky broth.
- Wash the fresh turmeric root (do not peel) and slice into rounds.
- Pick the basil leaves from the stems and rinse well.
- Bring 4 bowls of water to a boil. Add the fish head and turmeric slices.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the basil leaves and seasoning; cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Serve hot — eat both the broth and the fish head meat.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh turmeric root may take some hunting down — look at organic vegetable suppliers or Southeast Asian grocery shops, where it is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. The aromatic, spicy-warm character of both basil and turmeric means this soup is not for everyone: those with yin deficiency showing up as a very dry mouth, persistent red tongue, or low energy should use it sparingly. Because these aromatic herbs can dry out qi and yin if consumed too frequently, Bro Niu suggests this as an occasional rather than daily soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Elle): Is fresh turmeric easy to find? Bro Niu: Organic vegetable suppliers and Southeast Asian grocery shops occasionally stock it; it is also available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online.
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Q (Iris): Besides fish head, what else can basil leaves be cooked with? Bro Niu: Basil leaves work well in a beef soup or in a goji berry and lean pork soup — both are delicious.
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Q (Ling): I have poor posture, bad circulation, a sore left shoulder, leg numbness when I wake, and a sensitive stomach with frequent loose stools. I have been told by a Chinese medicine doctor I have liver-kidney deficiency, spleen dampness, and mild deficiency fire. What can I eat? Bro Niu: Try a soup with Chinese yam (huai shan), poria (fu ling), lotus seeds (lian zi), and euryale seeds (qian shi), each 5 qian, snow fungus 2 qian, and tangerine peel 1 piece, cooked with pork ribs. Take 3–5 servings. Avoid cold drinks and stop them entirely.
Published April 2, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
