Soups
Chayote, Water Chestnut, Lily Bulb and Pork Rib Soup
traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, easing dryness, and nourishing the heart
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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for all ages; particularly appropriate during dry autumn and winter weather, and for those managing high blood pressure or coronary heart disease
- Traditional food therapy considers water chestnut cooling and diuretic — those with a very cold constitution or frequent urination may wish to omit or reduce the water chestnut, and can substitute with sweet almond kernels (nan bei xing) for a non-cooling alternative
- Those with low blood pressure can enjoy this soup with the water chestnuts replaced by carrot
- This soup is also considered helpful for children’s intellectual development given chayote’s zinc content
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chayote (he zhang gua / fo shou gua): A low-sodium, zinc-rich gourd vegetable. Traditional food therapy considers it supportive for heart health and blood pressure. Zinc is associated with cognitive development in children and with reproductive health.
- Water chestnut (ma ti): Cooling and mildly diuretic in traditional use. Associated with clearing heat, calming the lungs, promoting sodium excretion and supporting healthy blood pressure. Also valued for its fresh, crisp texture.
- Fresh lily bulb (xian bai he): Nourishing and moistening; associated with calming the mind, easing restlessness and supporting the lungs. Particularly welcome in dry weather.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Improves the digestibility of the soup, prevents bloating and adds a pleasant subtle fragrance.
- Pork ribs (pai gu): Provide depth of flavour and protein to make this a satisfying everyday meal soup.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chayote (he zhang gua) | 2 medium | Peel; cut into chunks |
| Water chestnuts (ma ti) | 6–8 pieces | Peel and rinse |
| Fresh lily bulb (xian bai he) | 75 g | Separate petals; rinse clean |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Soak briefly to soften |
| Pork ribs (pai gu) | 450 g | Blanch in boiling water to remove impurities |
| Water | 7 bowls (approx. 1.75 litres) |
Method
- Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water briefly to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.
- Peel the chayote and cut into chunks.
- Peel and rinse the water chestnuts.
- Separate the lily bulb petals and rinse clean.
- Soak the tangerine peel briefly to soften.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Season lightly with salt. Serve with the soup ingredients.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (小二): There is someone with high blood pressure and someone with low blood pressure in our family. Can they drink the same soup together? Bro Niu: If someone has low blood pressure, simply leave out the water chestnuts and substitute with a carrot. The rest of the soup is fine for both.
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Q (reader): Can I use dried lily bulb instead of fresh? Fresh lily bulb is hard to find. Bro Niu: Yes, use dried lily bulb — it actually works better than fresh in a long-simmered soup. Add it from the start along with the other ingredients.
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Q (林小姐): Can I leave out the pork ribs or substitute them? Bro Niu: You can substitute with peanuts or other beans and nuts — the soup will still be tasty and nutritious.
Published December 12, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
