Soups
Three-Bean, Lotus-Leaf and Hairy-Gourd Soup
Traditionally clears summer heat and refreshes
Why people make this soup
When the weather turns muggy, Bro Niu says everyone gets cranky — especially little ones, who fuss, lose their appetite, or run a touch warm without it being a real fever. This is one of his go-to summer soups: three kinds of beans, lotus leaf, and hairy gourd, traditionally enjoyed to clear summer heat and bring a cooling, settling feeling on a sticky day.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Families during hot, humid weather; gentle enough for young children (skip the salt for babies).
- Traditionally used for the low-grade warmth and restlessness of summer heat, not for a true fever.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Three beans (mung, black-eyed pea, soy): a classic cooling trio associated with clearing summer heat.
- Lotus leaf (he ye): traditionally used to dispel summer heat; fresh leaf is even better.
- Hairy gourd (jie gua): mild and neutral, gentle for young and old; winter melon can stand in.
- Tangerine peel (chen pi): adds fragrance and balances the beans.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mung beans | ~37 g | |
| Black-eyed peas | ~37 g | |
| Soybeans | ~37 g | |
| Hairy gourd | ~600 g | or winter melon |
| Lotus leaf | ~18 g | fresh is better |
| Tangerine peel | 1 piece | soaked soft |
| Water | 6 bowls |
Method
- Soak and rinse the three beans and lotus leaf. Soak the tangerine peel soft.
- Peel and cut the hairy gourd into chunks.
- Put everything in the pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 1.5 hours down to roughly 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh lotus leaf works even better. Hairy gourd is mild and suits all ages; winter melon can replace it. Adding lean pork or chicken breast makes it tastier.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (C): Can I add pork ribs? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add ribs.
- Q (kellyly): Can a 10-month-old baby drink this soup? Bro Niu: Babies can drink this soup, just without added salt.
Published June 6, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
