Soups
Water Chestnut, Fig and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to clear heat, ease phlegm and soothe a dry throat
Why people make this soup
After a cold, many people are left with a scratchy throat, lingering phlegm and a dry mouth. Bro Niu reaches for water chestnuts, which in traditional kitchens are valued for clearing heat, generating fluids and easing thirst — they’re also said to encourage saliva, helping with that parched feeling. Paired with figs, which traditionally moisten the lungs and throat, this gentle pork soup is a comforting after-cold favourite.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone with a dry, scratchy throat and lingering phlegm after a cold; mild enough for young and old.
- Water chestnuts are cooling, so if your digestion runs weak and cold, drink the soup but go easy on eating the chestnuts. (A reader asked — pregnant women can drink it, especially with a piece of tangerine peel added.)
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Water chestnut (ma ti): traditionally used to clear heat, generate fluids and ease a dry throat.
- Fig (wu hua guo): traditionally used to moisten the lungs and throat and support digestion.
- Lean pork (shou rou): a clean, nourishing base that keeps the soup naturally sweet.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water chestnuts | 10 | Peeled, washed |
| Dried figs | 5 | Rinsed, halved |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Sliced, blanched |
Method
- Peel and wash the water chestnuts; rinse the figs and cut in half.
- Slice the lean pork and blanch.
- Simmer everything in 7 bowls of water for 1 hour, reducing to 3–4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Figs vary a lot. Choose ones that aren’t too snowy-white and have no sour or chemical smell — the US figs pictured cost more but make a clearer, sweeter soup. The soup suits young and old, but remember water chestnuts are cooling: those with weak, cold digestion should favour the broth.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Tinker): Can a pregnant woman drink this soup? I’ve had a cough with yellow phlegm for a week. Bro Niu: Yes, a pregnant woman can take this soup; add a piece of tangerine peel to help regulate qi and clear phlegm.
- Q (anonymous): Just an airway-sensitivity cough — any soup to recommend? Bro Niu: Use 10 ginkgo nuts (cored), ~38 g walnut, ~38 g almonds (sweet and bitter) and 6 red dates in a pork soup, simmered 1 hour — fine for the whole family, traditionally supports the lungs, spleen and kidneys and a constitution-related cough; about twice a week.
- Q (May): Can this soup ease phlegm? My child coughs badly only on waking with morning phlegm. I’ve been giving him tangerine-peel water — how many days in a row is safe? Bro Niu: Tangerine-peel water helps clear phlegm with few side effects, so children can take several doses. The pictured soup is fine for the whole family and also helps clear heat and phlegm.
Published August 29, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
