Soups
Mussel, Green-Kernel Black Bean, Carrot and Fuzzy Gourd Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the skin and support a healthy complexion
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu bought a pack of frozen mussels, steamed some with garlic and black bean, and had half a pack left — so he turned it into a soup with black beans, carrot and fuzzy gourd. It’s nourishing and good for the complexion: a light summer “clear tonic.” He likes green-kernel black beans, nicknamed the “king of beans,” traditionally said to beautify the skin, support the hair and benefit the eyes; mussels are rich in protein and B12; fuzzy gourd clears summer heat; and carrot adds carotenes and pectin — a lovely combination for dull or rough skin.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a light, summery soup said to nourish the skin and complexion and benefit the eyes.
- Naturally sweet and suitable for young and old. Skip it if you are allergic to mussels or other shellfish.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green-kernel black beans (qing ren hei dou): Traditionally used to beautify the skin, darken the hair and benefit the eyes.
- Mussels (qing kou): Rich in protein, vitamin B12 and minerals for nourishment.
- Fuzzy gourd (jie gua): Traditionally used to clear summer heat and drain dampness.
- Carrot (gan sun): Rich in carotenes and pectin, traditionally said to benefit the skin and eyes.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mussels | 8 | Cleaned and blanched |
| Green-kernel black beans | ~1 liang | Soaked and rinsed |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Fuzzy gourd | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices |
Method
- Clean the mussels well and blanch; soak and rinse the black beans; peel and chunk the carrot and fuzzy gourd.
- Combine all ingredients with 7–8 bowls of water.
- Cook for 1 hour, reducing to 4 bowls. Eat the soup and ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is naturally sweet and suitable for young and old, and is traditionally said to benefit the eyes. But some people are allergic to mussels and other shellfish — if so, this soup is not for you.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Ling): Are there two kinds of dried mussel — a small one with some “hair” to remove, and one that looks like a smaller mussel? Which is the real one? Bro Niu: They’re the same species; larger ones are tastier. That part isn’t hair or seaweed — it’s the mussel’s seminal sac. It’s a bit odd-looking, but you don’t need to remove it; it’s fine to cook in the soup.
- Q (Mandy): Can I use roasted green-skin black beans from a snack shop for soup or tea? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use roasted black beans from the snack shop — just avoid the salt-roasted type, to limit sodium.
Published July 30, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
