Soups
Green Papaya, Snow Fungus and Almond Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to aid digestion and moisten the lungs
Why people make this soup
Green papaya is widely available at Asian grocers and many supermarkets, in a range of sizes well suited to soup. It contains a protein-digesting enzyme that is traditionally valued for easing inflammation, and it’s rich in vitamins A and C and carotene, traditionally associated with aiding digestion and protecting the stomach lining. On dry days, Bro Niu likes to pair it with almond and snow fungus into a soup traditionally used to moisten the lungs, support the skin and settle a dry cough.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for young and old; especially nice in dry weather and for a dry cough.
- Pregnant women should not drink papaya soup. Breastfeeding mothers may find it helps milk supply.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green papaya (qing mu gua): Contains protein-digesting enzymes; traditionally used to aid digestion and protect the stomach lining.
- Snow fungus (xue er): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
- Mixed almonds (nan bei xing): Traditionally used to moisten the lungs and ease cough.
- Red dates (hong zao): Add gentle sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green papaya | 1 small | Peeled, deseeded, cut |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~75 g | Soaked, base trimmed |
| Mixed almonds | ~37 g | Rinse and soak |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Cut and blanched |
| Water | 8 bowls | Reduced to 4 |
Method
- Peel and deseed the green papaya and cut into chunks. Soak the snow fungus until soft and trim the base. Rinse and soak the almonds. Pit the red dates. Cut and blanch the pork.
- Add all ingredients to 8 bowls of water and simmer 1.5 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is sweet and pleasant, suitable for young and old. Pregnant women should not drink papaya soup; breastfeeding mothers, however, may find it supports milk supply.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Sammy): I’ve been ill on and off for two years (cough, throat inflammation, colds) and recently got dyshidrotic eczema — I’m tired of taking medicine. What soup or tea can improve my body? Bro Niu: Take a quarter of a golden monk fruit (luo han guo) and one piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi), snipped up and steeped as tea; re-steep until pale, three times a week — it helps guard against throat inflammation.
Published December 7, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
