Soups
Five-Color Vegetable Soup
Traditionally supports clear skin and a lighter, less greasy feeling
Why people make this soup
In Chinese tradition, the five colors of food are said to nourish the five organ systems, so Bro Niu likes to fill the pot with as many colors as he can. This one skips meat entirely yet still tastes rich and sweet, because the mushrooms add natural savory depth. It is the kind of light, refreshing soup people reach for when they want to eat well without feeling heavy.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a light, mostly vegetable soup; good for everyday family meals.
- If your constitution runs cold and damp, Bro Niu suggests skipping the mushrooms and leaning on fresh Chinese yam instead.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green apple (qing ping guo): adds gentle sweetness and is associated with moistening and refreshing.
- King oyster mushroom (ji bi gu): brings savory depth so no meat is needed; any mushroom works.
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): traditionally used to support the spleen and gentle nourishment.
- Black wood ear (hei mu er): a classic for adding a clean, springy texture.
- Carrot, corn, fig: round out the natural sweetness and color.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green apple | 1 | peeled, sliced |
| Sweet corn | a handful / 1 ear | kernels |
| Dried figs | a few | |
| King oyster mushroom | 1–2 | any mushroom is fine |
| Fresh Chinese yam | a length | peeled |
| Carrot | 1 | peeled, sticks |
| Black wood ear | small handful | soaked, de-stemmed |
| Water | 8 bowls |
Method
- Peel and cut the produce into sticks or pieces. Soak the wood ear until soft and remove the hard stems.
- Put everything into the pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is associated with helping reduce greasiness, support a slimmer feeling, and nourish the complexion. As an everyday dish you can add some lean pork.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): Why corn kernels — can I use a whole ear of corn? Bro Niu: Of course you can use a whole ear. That day I just happened to see a vendor scraping kernels off, so I bought those to lighten the prep.
- Q (Le Le): What can replace the king oyster mushroom, since my constitution is cold and damp? Bro Niu: With a cold-damp constitution, skip the mushrooms and use fresh Chinese yam (dried also works) — even better.
- Q (elainepeggy): Can I make extra and keep it in the fridge? For how long? Bro Niu: Yes, up to two days in the fridge, but strain out the solids before storing.
Published May 30, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
