Green Olive, Water Chestnut and Green Radish Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Anyone who lives in a subtropical city where tropical fruits are in season will understand this scenario: the lychees at the market look impossibly red and gorgeous, the vendor offers a discount if you buy more, and before you know it you’ve eaten a whole bag. In traditional Chinese food wisdom, lychee is considered a warming fruit, and too much of it in a short time can lead to what is called “getting heaty” — a sore throat, swollen gums, dry mouth, or sluggish digestion. Nourilo’s go-to fix is this soup: green olives are at their seasonal peak at the same time as lychees, and they are considered cooling and throat-clearing in traditional practice. Paired with green radish, water chestnuts, and figs, the result is a naturally sweet, gentle brew that feels refreshing without being overly cold.