Winter Melon, Soybean, Ginkgo and Job's Tears Soup

Why people make this soup

Winter melon is a summer favorite — traditionally said to cool, drain damp, ease summer heat and reduce puffiness. Job’s tears does similar work, traditionally associated with draining excess fluid and lightening the body. Cooked together they make a clean, light soup that traditionally helps the body shed surplus water, and is a long-loved partner dish for anyone watching their weight.

Method

1. Wash the winter melon (skin on) and cut into thick chunks.
2. Rinse the soybeans, Job’s tears, ginkgo and honey dates.
3. Add everything to a pot with water and simmer about 1 hour.
4. Eat the soup with the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

The ginkgo here is traditionally said to astringe the lungs, settle wheezing and curb urination. Adding it helps keep the fluid-draining soup from depleting too much water and weakening the body’s reserves. If you’d rather skip ginkgo, you can swap in adzuki beans (chi xiao dou).