Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Chayote, Corn and Marbled Eel-Goby Soup
Traditionally taken to support steady blood sugar and guard against the 'three highs'
Why people make this soup
When the fishing-ban season ends, the fresh-fish stalls fill up again. Bro Niu spotted some cheap, lively marbled eel-goby — not the silkiest flesh, but it makes a wonderfully sweet soup — and paired it with fresh yam, chayote and corn. The result is a tasty, nourishing everyday bowl traditionally taken to support steady blood sugar and help guard against the “three highs” (high blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids).
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a wholesome everyday soup as part of a blood-sugar-friendly, heart-friendly diet.
- A mild family soup with no special caution noted in the source.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): traditionally regarded as helpful for the blood vessels.
- Chayote (he zhang gua): a well-rounded, nutritious gourd traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood pressure.
- Pearl corn (zhen zhu su mi): lightly sweet, traditionally used to support fluid balance and steady blood sugar.
- Fresh fish (niu qiu yu): a clean, sweet protein base for the soup.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 1 length | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Chayote | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Pearl corn | 1 cob | Husked, cut in pieces |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Fresh fish (eel-goby) | 1–2 | Cleaned, pan-seared |
Method
- Peel the yam and chayote and cut into chunks; husk the corn and cut into pieces.
- Clean the fish and pan-sear lightly in a little oil until fragrant.
- Simmer everything in 8 bowls of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you can’t get fresh marbled eel-goby, other small sea fish — golden threadfin bream, tilefish, red goatfish or lizardfish — work just as well.
Published September 2, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 1 min read.
