Watercress, Fig & Pig Lung Soup

Why people make this soup

Watercress is one of those ingredients that Cantonese cooks have long had a deep affection for. Nourilo loves using it in wontons, fresh tofu rolls, and above all, in slow-cooked soups. Paired with dried figs and pig lung, this soup becomes a classic remedy for what traditional Chinese medicine describes as “lung and stomach heat” — the kind of internal warmth that shows up as dry mouth, bad breath, red eyes, or sluggish bowels.

Watercress is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and has a naturally cooling quality. Dried figs bring sweetness while traditionally supporting the intestines and soothing irritated tissues. Pig lung (a clean, mild organ meat when properly prepared) is used in the principle of “like nourishes like” — traditionally believed to support the respiratory system. A handful of apricot kernels and a piece of dried tangerine peel round out the flavour and function.

Method

1. Prepare the pig lung: push water through the trachea end repeatedly to flush out blood and mucus. Cut the lung into chunks and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain and rinse well.
2. Soak and rinse the dried figs and tangerine peel.
3. Remove the tough stalks from the watercress and rinse.
4. Place the pig lung, figs, apricot kernels, and tangerine peel in a clay pot or heavy saucepan with 2.4 L of water. Bring to a full boil over high heat.
5. Once boiling, add the watercress. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 3 hours until the liquid reduces to 1.2–1.5 L.
6. Serve the soup and eat some of the cooked ingredients for full benefit.

Nourilo’s Tips

The key to getting this soup right is patience and timing with the watercress. Never add the watercress to cold water — always wait until the soup is boiling before it goes in. Cold-start watercress turns bitter and keeps more of its cooling nature. Once it’s simmered for 3 hours, it is mild and safe for everyone, including children. If you’d like to add a sweeter note, one or two honey dates (mi zao) make a lovely addition and balance the flavour nicely.