Soups
Four-Red Soup
traditionally used to support blood production and circulation
Why people make this soup
In Cantonese food-therapy tradition, women are said to need extra support for blood production because of the monthly cycle. The “Four-Red Soup” (四红汤) draws together four red seeds — adzuki beans, red-skinned peanuts, goji berries, and red jujube dates — all prized in Chinese dietary wisdom for their association with nourishing the blood and supporting circulation. The result is a naturally sweet, comforting soup that Bro Niu enjoys making for family members who look pale or feel run-down. He also points out a practical soaking tip: letting the beans and peanuts sit in cold water for at least an hour before cooking neutralises enzyme inhibitors in raw legumes, which makes them easier to digest.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well-suited to women experiencing fatigue, pale complexion, or feeling cold in the hands and feet; also appropriate during pregnancy (omit or reduce sugar), and for people undergoing cancer chemotherapy who need nutritional support.
- Diabetics should omit the brown sugar entirely.
- Those who tend to get bloated from beans can add a strip of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) during cooking to ease digestive discomfort.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Adzuki beans (hong dou): In Chinese dietary tradition, adzuki beans are considered to support the spleen and promote fluid circulation. Their deep red colour associates them with blood-nourishing properties.
- Red-skinned peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): The red skin is particularly valued — it is traditionally said to be the component most associated with supporting blood cell production, and is associated with stopping bleeding and nourishing the blood.
- Red dates / jujubes (hong zao): One of the most widely used tonic foods in Chinese cuisine, jujubes are traditionally valued for tonifying qi (vital energy) and nourishing the blood, with a gentle sweetening effect on the soup.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, supporting vision, and replenishing essence. They add a mild sweetness.
- Brown sugar (hong tang): In food-therapy tradition, unrefined brown sugar is considered warming and associated with supporting circulation, particularly suitable for women.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adzuki beans | 38 g (1 liang) | Soak at least 1 hour, discard soaking water |
| Red-skinned peanuts | 75 g (2 liang) | Use raw, skin on; soak at least 1 hour |
| Red dates (jujubes) | 6–8 pieces | Pit before cooking |
| Goji berries | 1 tablespoon | Rinse briefly |
| Brown sugar | To taste | Omit for diabetics |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 L) |
Method
- Pit the red dates and rinse them. Rinse the goji berries.
- Soak the adzuki beans and red-skinned peanuts in cold water for at least 1 hour. Drain and discard the soaking water.
- Add all ingredients to a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar to taste, simmer until dissolved, and serve. Eat some of the solids along with the soup.
Bro Niu’s tips
The soaking step is important — do not skip it. Raw legumes and nuts contain enzyme inhibitors (sometimes described as abscisic acid-related compounds) that can reduce digestibility when eaten in large quantities over time. Soaking and discarding the water neutralises these and makes the soup gentler on the stomach. If you cannot find red-skinned peanuts, ordinary small peanuts work fine. If red dates cause throat irritation, substitute with nan zao (southern dates), which are gentler.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (VivianFan): My daughter had a poor complexion so you suggested this soup — I made it for the whole family and we all slept better after. Is three times a week too often? Bro Niu: Three times a week is perfectly fine.
-
Q (Ivy): I am 17 weeks pregnant with anaemia — can I drink this soup? Can I use black sugar during pregnancy? Bro Niu: You can drink this soup during pregnancy. Black sugar is fine in pregnancy but should not be taken in excess.
-
Q (ruby): If I normally get bloated from beans, can I still have this? Bro Niu: Add a couple of pieces of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) when cooking — it helps ease the gas and bloating.
Published November 2, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
