Black-Eyed Pea, Peanut and Shiitake Soup

Why people make this soup

Some people drink too much water or soup at night and wake up puffy the next morning — often a sign the body is moving fluids slowly. Nourilo’s answer is black-eyed peas, which in the southern Chinese tradition are valued for promoting urination and easing puffiness. The darker black-eyed pea is regarded as more effective than the pale kind; combined with peanuts, shiitake and cashews, the soup is both nourishing and traditionally associated with supporting the kidney and lower back.