Old Cucumber, Red Bean, Hyacinth Bean & Fig Pork Shin Soup

Why people make this soup

Old cucumber is a wonderful soup ingredient, traditionally associated with clearing heat, cooling in summer, and easing damp. Even though it is now deep autumn, the weather can still run hot, and old cucumber is also valued for supporting immunity. With flu going around, Nourilo likes pairing old cucumber with red beans, hyacinth beans, and figs in a soup that suits people feeling weighed-down and tired by damp, with lower immunity, or living with the “three highs.”

Method

1. Remove the pith from the old cucumber and cut into chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the red beans and hyacinth beans.
3. Halve the figs.
4. Cut the pork shin and blanch.
5. Combine all ingredients with 2.4 L of water and simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to 1.5 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

The pith and juice scraped from the old cucumber are traditionally said to brighten and soothe the skin — you can dab them on the face or soak your hands for softer skin. This soup is naturally sweet and tasty, and the whole family, young and old, can drink it.