Soups
Kudzu Root, Carrot and Fresh Fish Soup
Traditionally eases stiff muscles and supports the body in cold weather
Why people make this soup
In that betwixt-and-between weather, neither warm nor cold, it is easy to catch a chill, with aching bones and especially tight neck and shoulder muscles. Bro Niu likes to make a kudzu-root soup at such times. Kudzu root is traditionally regarded as clearing heat, generating fluids and easing thirst, supporting the digestion, and helping with muscle tightness and aching limbs — and it is associated with easing the throat discomfort of an early cold. Cooked with carrot, rice beans, hyacinth beans and fresh fish, it makes a good seasonal wellness soup that supports the body against the weather.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those with tight neck and shoulders, aching bones, or early cold-season discomfort
- Traditionally regarded as friendly for those managing the “three highs”
- Caution: people with low blood pressure should take it sparingly
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Kudzu root (fen ge): Traditionally regarded as clearing heat, generating fluids, supporting digestion, and easing muscle tightness and limb soreness.
- Rice beans and hyacinth beans (chi xiao dou, bian dou): Traditionally associated with draining damp and supporting the spleen.
- Fresh fish and carrot (hai yu zi, hong luo bo): Add a sweet, savory base and round out the soup.
Ingredients (5–6 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kudzu root | ~600 g | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Carrot | 1 | |
| Rice beans | ~38 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Hyacinth beans | ~38 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Dried tangerine peel | 1 piece | Soaked and rinsed |
| Fresh small sea fish | ~600 g | Cleaned, pan-fried in oil |
Method
- Clean the small sea fish and pan-fry in oil until fragrant.
- Peel the kudzu root and cut into chunks. Soak and rinse the rice beans, hyacinth beans and tangerine peel.
- Bring all ingredients to a boil in 9 bowls of water for half an hour.
- Lower to medium-low heat and simmer 1 hour, reducing to 5–6 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Kudzu-root soup traditionally helps ease muscle tension and is regarded as friendly for those managing the “three highs,” so it can be taken regularly. However, people with low blood pressure should drink it sparingly.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (amy poon): People say not to peel the kudzu root because the skin is good for you — is that true? I worry the skin has pesticide and is hard to clean with all the soil. Bro Niu: Kudzu root is bumpy and muddy, so peeling it is the more sensible choice. Many fruit and vegetable skins are nutritious — apple, pear, pumpkin skins — it just depends on whether you can wash off the pesticide.
- Q (anonymous reader): My 10-year-old often catches colds, at least once a month, and easily gets “heaty” from rich foods. What can I make day to day for wellness? Bro Niu: The patent remedy “Yu Ping Feng San” is traditionally taken to help ward off colds and support immunity. You can buy the granule form and make a cup daily for the child, adding honey for taste; try it for two weeks and see if it helps.
Published March 8, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
