Soups
Loofah, Bamboo Fungus, Corn and Pork Rib Soup
A cooling summer soup traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting a slimming diet
Why people make this soup
This is one of Bro Niu’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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for summer, and traditionally chosen by those watching their weight
- Said to suit people who feel phlegmy or damp, and is associated with supporting those managing blood sugar or blood pressure
- The soup leans cooling — if you have a cold constitution, add 3 slices of ginger and a few honey dates so it is gentler on the stomach
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Loofah (si gua): traditionally associated with clearing heat and resolving phlegm
- Bamboo fungus (zhu sheng): a light, prized fungus that gives body without heaviness
- Shiitake (dong gu): traditionally regarded as a “lean” food associated with reducing fats — Bro Niu often adds it to slimming soups
- Corn and carrot (su mi, gan sun): add natural sweetness and color
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loofah | 1 | Peeled, chunked |
| Bamboo fungus | 4 pieces | |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, chunked |
| Corn | 2 ears | Or kernels |
| Dried shiitake | ~7.5 g sliced, or 4 whole | Soaked soft |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanched; use lean ribs |
| Ginger + honey dates | optional | To temper the cooling nature |
Method
- Blanch the pork ribs. Peel and chunk the loofah and carrot. Soak the shiitake until soft. Rinse the corn.
- Put all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer down to 4–5 bowls.
- Serve, eating the soup and the ingredients together.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ms. Chan): I notice many of your slimming soups add shiitake — does it have a special effect? Bro Niu: Shiitake is a “lean” food; it is associated with cutting fats, lowering blood lipids and cholesterol, and is suited to those slimming. (Chicken can replace the ribs — but use lean ribs.)
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Q (Yan): If I leave out the corn and the meat, will it affect the benefit? Bro Niu: You can omit the corn and meat; the soup just won’t be as sweet, but it still has its slimming quality.
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Q (Ha Mai): Is this soup cooling? Sometimes after eating loofah I feel a bit lightheaded — would adding two slices of ginger help? Bro Niu: This soup is a little cooling — that is how it clears heat and slims. Add 3 slices of ginger and a few honey dates and it won’t be too cooling.
Published May 19, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
