Daikon & Carrot Stew with Ginger Broth
Luóbo Húluóbo Jiāng Tāng (萝卜胡萝卜姜汤)
In Chinese households, winter often brings simple, aromatic stews that highlight seasonal vegetables. Daikon radish and carrots, one cooling and one gently sweet, balance each other beautifully when simmered with ginger. The broth becomes light yet flavorful, warming without heaviness. This dish reflects a traditional belief that winter foods should support circulation, dispel cold, and harmonize digestion. It’s a humble, nourishing bowl common in home kitchens from northern villages to southern cities.
What makes this dish worth learning? This stew teaches balance through contrast—pairing cooling vegetables with warming aromatics to create harmony. It also introduces the Chinese technique of building flavor through slow simmering rather than oil or strong seasoning. Once learned, this method can be applied to countless winter broths and vegetable soups.
Ingredients: (Serves 2–3)
- 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and cut into slices or thick half-moon slices for a good visual effect
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into slices
- 4–5 slices fresh ginger
- 4 cups water or light vegetable broth
- 1 tsp light soy sauce (optional)
- 1–2 scallions, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Place the daikon radish, carrots, and ginger slices into a pot with the water or broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the broth is lightly sweetened by the carrots.
Season with a pinch of salt and a touch of soy sauce if using. The broth should remain clean and delicate.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions. Serve warm.
Substitutions and Variations:
If daikon is unavailable, use turnips or a mild white radish.
A few slices of dried shiitake mushroom can be added for deeper winter flavor.
For a heartier bowl, a handful of napa cabbage may be added during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Health and Culinary Notes:
In TCM terms, daikon radish helps move stagnation and supports digestion, especially after heavier winter meals. Carrots gently nourish while adding natural sweetness. Ginger warms the center and dispels cold. Together, they create a winter soup that is light, supportive, and balancing, which is ideal after rich foods or on days when the weather sinks into deep cold.
