Green Olive, Green Radish, Water Chestnut & Pork Shin Soup

In Cantonese cooking, green olive is traditionally valued for relieving sore throats, generating saliva, and clearing the effects of alcohol or fish toxins. Cracking each olive slightly before cooking helps release these properties into the broth.

Green radish is traditionally associated with helping the body process residual combustion gases absorbed through daily exposure to gas stove cooking. It is a common reason this soup is recommended as an everyday family soup in households that cook frequently on a gas stove.

Yes, this is described as a family-friendly soup. Water chestnut and dried fig together are thought to support healthy bone development in growing children, as fig is high in calcium and the combination is associated with increased calcium and mineral intake as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and the soup simmers for approximately 1.5 hours, for a total time of around 1 hour 50 minutes. The recipe yields approximately 1.2 to 1.5 litres, described as enough for the whole family.

Because this soup contains radish, the recipe advises avoiding qi-tonifying herbal teas or supplements such as ginseng on the same day. The soup is noted as safe during pregnancy, and ingredients such as Chinese yam or euryale seeds may be added without issue.