Wild Watercress Soup

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.

Method

1. Wash the watercress (roots may be left on) and cut into sections.
2. Add the watercress and honey dates to about 2.4 L of water and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Lower to a gentle simmer and cook about 3 hours. Serve.

Nourilo’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.