Fresh Burdock, Rice Bean and Mung Bean Soup

Why people make this soup

Burdock tea bags are common in supermarkets, but Nourilo prefers fresh burdock root — and the thinner kind, which is more fragrant and effective. Fresh burdock is available at Chinese or Asian grocers. Burdock is traditionally valued for supporting the liver and the heart-and-blood vessels, with a cooling, anti-inflammatory reputation. Simmered with rice bean and mung bean, it makes a clean pot traditionally drunk to clear heat — and often given when a child has swollen, inflamed glands (such as with mumps).

Method

1. Scrub the burdock clean (keep the skin) and slice. Soak and rinse the beans. Rinse the honey dates.
2. Add all ingredients to 2.1–2.4 L of water and simmer for 1 hour, reducing to 0.9–1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Clean and pleasant, and drunk on a hot day it traditionally helps clear summer heat — fine for the whole family. It is also associated in folk use with helping prevent skin sores and heat rashes.