Vietnamese Mint, Ginger, Scallion and Fish Slice Soup

Why people make this soup

At the very first signs of a cold — when you feel you’ve caught a chill or your head feels off — a warming, sweat-promoting soup taken hot can ease things considerably. Simply simmer grass carp slices with ginger, scallion whites, and fragrant Vietnamese mint. Sip it warm, raise a light sweat, and the early discomfort eases.

Method

1. Thinly slice the grass carp fillet. Rinse the Vietnamese mint. Rinse the scallion whites and cut into segments.
2. Put everything in a pot with 600 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes.
3. Drink the soup warm and eat a little of the ingredients, to raise a light sweat.

Nourilo’s Tips

Vietnamese mint is a real help for the dizziness and headache that come with a chill; look for it at Asian grocers or shops selling Southeast Asian foods. The fish slices need no pan-frying — a quick boil is enough, since fresh, lively grass carp is not fishy. If your nose is runny, add 6 magnolia flowers to simmer along.