Soups
Black-Eyed Pea, Peanut, Papaya & Chicken-Feet Soup
A collagen-rich soup traditionally used to support new mothers and milk supply
Why people make this soup
Many mothers hope to breastfeed, and the Chinese kitchen has long leaned on a handful of “milk-supporting” foods to help. Papaya, peanuts and dried figs are the classics; combined with snow fungus, red dates, black-eyed peas and chicken feet, they make a delicious, easy-to-drink soup. It’s especially comforting for mothers who’ve been eating a lot of rich, warming food, traditionally supporting the spleen and stomach, the skin, and smooth digestion.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- New mothers; also a gentle everyday family wellness soup thanks to its collagen-rich body.
- Avoid papaya during pregnancy — green papaya is traditionally avoided before birth. Use only after delivery.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green papaya: a classic lactation-supporting food, also said to be soothing to the stomach lining.
- Peanuts & dried figs: traditionally used to support milk supply.
- Snow fungus & chicken feet: rich in gelatin, which traditionally is associated with skin nourishment and overall vitality.
- Red dates & black-eyed peas: add gentle blood-and-qi nourishment and a rounder flavor.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green papaya | ~300 g | peeled, seeded, cut in chunks |
| Snow fungus (bai er) | ~11 g | soaked, stem removed |
| Black-eyed peas / peanuts | ~38 g each | rinsed |
| Dried figs | 4 | |
| Red dates (pitted) | 6 | |
| Chicken feet | 4 pairs | blanched first |
Method
- Peel and seed the papaya and cut into chunks; soak the snow fungus and remove the stem; blanch the chicken feet; rinse the rest.
- Put everything in a pot with about 10 bowls of water and simmer ~2 hours down to 4–5 bowls. Eat the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is rich in gelatin, and gelatin-rich foods are traditionally valued for supporting the body’s resilience. It makes a fine everyday family wellness soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (new father): My wife’s milk supply is a little low — besides this soup, what else helps? Bro Niu: You’re a good husband! Try day-lily buds (3 mace), peanuts (1 tael), red dates (6) and ginger (3 slices) simmered with half a free-range chicken; or astragalus, tong cao and figs simmered with pork or fresh fish. Many small sea fish also support milk supply — pan-fry the fish lightly first.
- Q (Ellie): Can I eat papaya during pregnancy? Bro Niu: Don’t eat papaya during pregnancy — it’s best avoided until after delivery.
- Q (CL): I don’t want to wean yet — which foods reduce milk supply, so I can avoid them? Bro Niu: Malt, barley sprouts and fermented black beans are well known to reduce supply; a little won’t matter, but large amounts can.
Published March 1, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
