Green Radish, Green Olive, Lily Bulb, and Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

When friends began asking Nourilo how to help family members recover after a respiratory infection — still left with a dry cough, throat discomfort, or general weakness — he recommended this soup as one of the most appropriate options for that in-between stage: past the worst of the illness, but not yet fully restored. The combination of green olive and green radish is itself a classic Cantonese pairing, known in folk tradition as “Green Dragon White Tiger Soup” (qing long bai hu tang), long used for protecting throat health and generating fluids. Adding lily bulb and apricot kernels extends the soup’s lung-nourishing qualities, while pork ribs provide protein and body. Nourilo also notes that during viral season, drinking warm liquids frequently — every 15 minutes or so — is traditionally considered helpful for clearing pathogens from the throat.

Method

1. Rinse the green olives and bruise each one gently using the flat of a heavy knife or a cleaver.
2. Peel the green radish and cut into large chunks.
3. Separate the fresh lily bulb petals and rinse well.
4. Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4–2.7 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
7. Cook for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to approximately 1.2 L.
8. Serve warm; eat both the broth and the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup tastes naturally sweet and is pleasant for all ages. Nourilo recommends drinking it regularly during times when respiratory viruses are circulating — it is gentle enough for daily use. If green olives are unavailable, add a few dried figs instead. During an active infection, Nourilo’s practical advice: drink warm water or warm soup every 15 minutes or so, as warmth is traditionally considered helpful for clearing the throat of pathogens. After recovery, follow up with lung-strengthening soups such as tiger milk ganoderma, snow fungus, apricot kernel, and pork or partridge soup.