Desserts
Water Chestnut and Snow Pear Sweet Soup
Water chestnut and snow pear sweet soup is a classic Cantonese nourishing dessert. Water chestnuts, cold in nature, clear heat and promote fluid production. Snow pear, cool in nature, moistens the lungs and relieves coughs. Slowly simmered together, the soup is clear, sweet, and refreshing – a natural "moisturising fire extinguisher" perfect for dry seasons, late nights, or throat discomfort.
Main Ingredients
- Water chestnuts 200g (about 10-12 pcs)
- Snow pear 1-2 pcs (approx. 250-300g)
- Rock sugar 30-50g
- Goji berries 5g
- Water 1-1.5L
Steps
Peel the water chestnuts and slice thickly or halve (do not cut too small – they may break apart during cooking). Scrub the snow pear with salt, rinse well, core and cut into approx. 2cm chunks (keeping the skin on). Rinse the goji berries.
Place the water chestnuts, pear chunks (and pear skins if reserved) into a clay pot with water (approx. 1-1.5L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the water chestnuts are cooked through and the pear becomes translucent and soft.
Add rock sugar and goji berries 5-8 minutes before serving, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If pear skins were used, remove and discard them. Serve warm or chilled – both are delightful.
TCM Notes
Clears heat, promotes fluids, moistens the lungs & relieves coughs (core benefit): Water chestnuts clear heat and resolve phlegm; snow pear moistens the lungs and relieves coughs. Together, they double the lung-moistening effect. Quenches thirst & stimulates appetite: Both are rich in water and natural fructose – water chestnuts also contain puchiin, which aids digestion. Promotes bowel health & detox: Rich in dietary fibre, they help promote intestinal motility. Vitamins & minerals: Snow pear provides vitamin C; water chestnuts are high in phosphorus, supporting bone and tooth health. Cooling & calming: Helps relieve irritability caused by internal heat.
Suitable for：Those with dry throat, dry mouth, or dry skin during autumn and winter Those with lung-dry cough or dry cough with little phlegm Those with late nights, sore throat, or thirst Those in air-conditioned or dry environments Those with poor appetite or indigestion Those needing heat relief in summer General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, loose stools, or diarrhea (Use with caution!): Both ingredients are cool in nature – may worsen abdominal pain and diarrhea. Add 3-5 slices of fresh ginger to balance if consuming. Those with wind-cold coughs (Avoid!): Symptoms include deep cough with thin white phlegm and clear runny nose – the cooling soup may worsen the condition. Diabetics (Strict portion control!): Contains natural fructose and added rock sugar – omit rock sugar, rely solely on natural sweetness, and strictly limit serving size (≤150ml). Pregnant women (Use with caution): Water chestnuts are cold in nature – those with cold constitution in early pregnancy should consume sparingly. Women during menstruation (Use with caution): Cooling soup may worsen menstrual cramps or cause irregular flow. Those allergic to water chestnuts or snow pear (rare).
