Chayote, Water Chestnut, Lily Bulb and Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

Chayote (also called 佛手瓜, “Buddha hand melon”) is a crisp, juicy, mildly sweet gourd that earns its place in food therapy for practical reasons: it is a naturally low-sodium vegetable with a relatively high zinc content, making it both safe and potentially beneficial for those managing high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Combined with water chestnuts (which have a traditional reputation for promoting gentle urination and helping regulate sodium balance) and lily bulb (which calms the mind and nourishes lung fluids), this soup works on multiple levels — easing dryness, supporting blood pressure and providing a calm, pleasant broth that the whole family can enjoy.

Method

1. Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water briefly to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.
2. Peel the chayote and cut into chunks.
3. Peel and rinse the water chestnuts.
4. Separate the lily bulb petals and rinse clean.
5. Soak the tangerine peel briefly to soften.
6. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.1 L of water.
7. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 1.2 L.
8. Season lightly with salt. Serve with the soup ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is well suited to the dry weather of autumn and winter and is also helpful for those with dry lips, a dry cough or a hoarse, scratchy throat. It is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed as a family soup. If you wish to replace the pork ribs for a lighter version, substitute with peanuts or mixed nuts — the broth remains tasty and nourishing. If water chestnuts are too cooling for someone in the family, replace them with sweet almond kernels (nan bei xing) — these moisturise the lungs without the cooling effect.