Loofah, Bamboo Fungus, Corn and Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

This is one of Nourilo’s favorite summer soups — light, cooling, and traditionally associated with clearing summer heat and supporting a slimming diet. Loofah is said to clear heat and resolve phlegm, so the soup also suits people who feel heavy with damp or carry a lot of phlegm. It is an easy weekday pot that everyone at the table can share.

Method

1. Blanch the pork ribs. Peel and chunk the loofah and carrot. Soak the shiitake until soft. Rinse the corn.
2. Put all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
3. Simmer down to 1.2–1.5 L.
4. Serve, eating the soup and the ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

Loofah clears heat and resolves phlegm, so this soup suits people who tend to be phlegmy or damp. It is on the cooling side — that is what gives it its heat-clearing, slimming quality — so if that worries you, add 3 slices of ginger and a few honey dates to soften it.