Green Papaya, Black-Eyed Pea, Peanut and Bean-Curd Stick Soup

Why people make this soup

A vegetarian friend was worried she would not produce enough milk for her baby. Honestly, as long as a nursing mother eats a balanced, nourishing diet, breastfeeding usually goes fine. Green papaya is traditionally valued for gently encouraging milk flow, and when you simmer it with black-eyed peas, peanuts, shiitake and bean-curd sticks — all rich, nourishing foods with a little milk-supporting reputation of their own — you get a tasty pot that new mothers tend to love.

Method

1. Peel the green papaya, remove the core and seeds. Rinse and soak the remaining ingredients.
2. Place everything in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
3. Simmer for about 2 hours until reduced to roughly 900 ml.
4. Drink the soup and eat the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is delicious and the whole family can drink it. Besides supporting milk supply, it is traditionally associated with clearing heat, easing the bowels and nourishing the skin. As an everyday health soup, you can cook it with fresh fish or lean pork for extra flavour.