Kudzu Root, Adzuki Bean & Job's Tears Soup

Why people make this soup

When days swing between warm and cold, those who are weaker or recovering from illness catch colds easily — headache, tense muscles, an irritable, restless feeling. Nourilo suggests a kudzu soup for exactly these moments. It is also kind to people with stiff neck and shoulders from overwork, or those who’ve eaten too much fried, rich food and feel stuffy, with red eyes or bad breath. Kudzu (pueraria) is both food and the herb “ge gen,” traditionally used to relax the muscles and ease thirst and restlessness.

Method

1. Tear the skin off the kudzu and cut into chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the adzuki beans, coix seed and tangerine peel separately; rinse the honey dates.
3. Add everything to 2.7 L of water.
4. Simmer 2 hours until reduced to 1.2 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup also suits people at the early stage of a cold. Cooked long enough, it is moistening without being harshly cooling, and supports urinary flow without burdening the kidneys — suitable for men, women, young and old. But pregnant women should not use coix seed; use hyacinth beans instead.