Soups
Wild Watercress Soup
Traditionally used to nourish yin and clear heat in dry weather
Why people make this soup
Wild watercress (ye ge cai) is a wild green that also doubles as a folk medicinal herb, making a clear, fragrant soup. In tradition it is associated with dispersing cold, easing the breath, settling coughs, and clearing “bone heat.” The folk dish “wild watercress and snakehead fish soup” is traditionally valued to nourish yin and clear heat; simmered simply with honey dates as a tea, it makes a pleasant autumn wellness drink for dry weather. Fresh wild watercress is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People troubled by dryness in autumn — dry throat, achy joints, sore back; traditionally a seasonal wellness soup
- Gentle once it is simmered long enough; those with a weaker constitution can drink it too — just simmer the full time and, if you run “cold,” add an extra slice of ginger
- Pregnant readers asked and Bro Niu said it is fine; for infants around 7 months, only a small half-bowl, not too much
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Wild watercress (ye ge cai): traditionally associated with nourishing yin, clearing heat, and easing “bone heat” and dryness
- Honey dates (mi zao): add natural sweetness and round out the soup
Ingredients (1 pot, about 6 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh wild watercress (ye ge cai) | ~600 g (1 catty) | Roots can be left on; wash, cut into sections |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3–4 |
Method
- Wash the watercress (roots may be left on) and cut into sections.
- Add the watercress and honey dates to about 8 bowls of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Lower to a gentle simmer and cook about 3 hours. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Autumn weather is dry, the organs feel parched and the joints get cranky, so this soup is a good fit. As long as you simmer it long enough, even those with a weaker constitution can drink it. You can also add lean pork or a fresh fish such as snakehead for extra flavor and nourishment.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (cho gu lik): Can I add meat to this soup? Can people with a “cold” constitution drink it? How much for 6 servings? Bro Niu: You can add meat. For a “cold” constitution add an extra slice of ginger and simmer a full 3 hours so it isn’t cooling. For 6 servings use about 1.5 catties of watercress, 10 bowls of water down to 6.
- Q (Cara): Can I use a vacuum (thermal) pot, to save fuel? Bro Niu: A thermal pot is fine, but bring it to a strong boil for about half an hour first so the flavor comes out properly.
- Q (TT): Can this wild watercress and lean pork soup be drunk at 7 months pregnant? Bro Niu: Wild watercress soup is fine during pregnancy, no problem.
Published August 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
