Parsley, Spearmint and Grass Carp Soup

Why people make this soup

Parsley (European parsley, also called ou qin or Holland parsley) and spearmint are a natural pairing for a light, aromatic soup. Research suggests parsley may support circulation, encourage the body to flush waste, and help the kidneys clear accumulated salts. Combined with spearmint — which is cooling and helps relieve surface heat — and ginger to warm the stomach, the soup is both genuinely tasty and traditionally associated with easing cold symptoms, soothing headaches, and supporting the kidneys. It cooks in under ten minutes.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults and older children feeling the early stages of a cold, with symptoms such as headache, mild fever, or a stuffy nose.
• A reader who felt heavy-headed, congested, and fatigued was told by Bro Niu that this soup could help release surface pathogen (fa han jie biao).
• Those with frequent urination at night should avoid this soup — it has a noticeable diuretic effect.
• Kidney patients should consult a doctor before using diuretic herbs regularly.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Parsley (ou qin): Traditionally associated with purifying blood, encouraging waste elimination, and supporting kidney function; rich in vitamins.
• Spearmint (xiang hua cai): Cooling in nature; traditionally used to help release surface heat and ease respiratory congestion.
• Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Warming; helps the body generate a mild sweat to expel surface pathogens, and protects the stomach from the cooling herbs.
• Grass carp (huan yu): Light and easy to digest; traditionally considered mild and nourishing for the stomach.

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Parsley	4 stalks	Rinse well
Spearmint	60 g	Rinse well
Fresh ginger	4 slices
Grass carp fillet	~300 g	Skin removed, sliced
Water	4 bowls (~1 litre)

Method

1. Remove the skin from the grass carp fillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Rinse the parsley and spearmint separately and set aside.
3. Slice the ginger.
4. Bring 4 bowls of water to a boil. Add all the ingredients at once.
5. Boil for 7–8 minutes.
6. Season to taste with salt and serve. Drink the soup and eat the parsley and spearmint.

Bro Niu’s tips

Parsley is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and larger supermarkets — look for it in the fresh herb section. If you cannot find grass carp, any fresh soup fish will work, or substitute with chicken breast or lean pork. Those with frequent urination at night should avoid this soup, as it has a diuretic effect.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Amy, overseas): I cannot find grass carp — what fish can I substitute? Bro Niu: Any fresh fish suitable for making soup will do.

• Q (iriswong): Can I replace the grass carp with chicken or pork? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use chicken breast or lean pork instead.

• Q (reader): Can I add tofu to this soup? Bro Niu: Adding tofu might work better than tomatoes — the flavours are more compatible.

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Published January 28, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.