Carrot, Water Chestnut and Lophatherum (Bamboo Leaf) Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo wrote this for the season when half the kindergarten seems to be down with a cold and parents are fretting. During a feverish spell, little ones often have dark urine, no appetite, and that cranky, restless mood. This soup is naturally sweet — kids rarely refuse it — and is traditionally given to clear heat and gently encourage urination while the fever runs its course.

Method

1. Peel the carrot and slice it thinly. Peel and slice the water chestnuts. Rinse the lophatherum.
2. Put everything in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Simmer about 1 hour until reduced to 600 ml.
4. Stir in rock sugar until dissolved, then serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

The soup is clear and sweet, so children won’t resist it. It also suits those with a cough, dark urine or irritated urination.