Hairy Gourd, Broad Bean, Soybean and Dried Oyster Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

Research has pointed to tyrosine — an amino acid — as important for both adults and children in supporting mood regulation and nervous system function. When the body’s tyrosine levels run low, people may experience low energy, mental fogginess, difficulty handling stress, and in some cases low blood pressure or a sluggish metabolism. Foods naturally rich in tyrosine include milk and dairy products, beef, legumes such as soybeans and broad beans, pineapple, banana, figs, dried oysters, abalone and sea fish. Nourilo put together this nourishing soup around several of those very ingredients — making a flavourful, everyday pot that the whole family can share with confidence.

Method

1. Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 3–5 minutes; rinse and set aside.
2. Soak the dried broad beans, soybeans and dried oysters separately in cold water for 30–60 minutes; rinse thoroughly.
3. Scrape the hairy gourd with a peeler to remove the outer skin; cut into large chunks.
4. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
6. Simmer for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
7. Serve hot — both the soup and the solid ingredients are delicious to eat.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is naturally sweet and satisfying — children and elderly family members will enjoy it. The key caution to remember is that anyone with G6PD deficiency (favism) must strictly avoid broad beans and cannot drink this soup. The same applies to those with kidney disease or anxiety disorders. For a larger family of around 10 people, Nourilo advises simply doubling each ingredient to 75 g. Fresh shelled broad beans can also be used in season — add them in the last 30 minutes. Dried broad beans are available at southern-goods shops (nan huo dian).