Several days have passed since the Spring Equinox. As this solar term concludes, temperatures across regions will rise again, though occasional drops may occur. In short, the weather will fluctuate between good and bad. Without proper care during this period, illness can easily arise. Therefore, focus on nourishing your body through dietary therapy. Here are several spring wellness recipes worth exploring.
Spring Wellness Recipes for Women
1. Lean Pork and Yam Porridge
Ingredients: 1 iron rod yam, 1 small piece of lean pork (preferably tender cuts), 1 small bowl of rice.
Preparation Method:
1. Rinse the dirt off the surface of the iron rod yam. Use a metal spoon or a broken bowl shard to scrape off the skin. After scraping, remove all the roots and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Once washed, slice into 2cm thick rounds or cut diagonally. Set aside.
2. Rinse the lean pork, then cut into thin strips. Rinse the rice thoroughly two or three times.
4. After stir-frying the yam, wash the pot again. Once clean, place it back on the stove, add oil, and heat it up. Add the lean pork strips and stir-fry. Then add a little soy sauce and continue stir-frying. Once the lean pork changes color slightly, transfer it to a bowl and set aside.
5. Wash the wok again. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rice and cook. To prevent overflow, cover the wok with a lid, leaving a small gap with a spatula.
6. Once the rice grains have bloomed, add the lean pork strips and sliced Chinese yam. When the porridge thickens, season with salt, drizzle in peanut oil, and simmer for one to two minutes before serving.
Benefits: This porridge nourishes the spleen and kidneys while aiding digestion, making it ideal for women with weakened constitutions. Its smooth texture is easy to swallow, especially beneficial for those with poor appetite in spring.
II. Vegetable and Egg Soup
Ingredients: 6-8 Chinese toon sprouts, 2 eggs, rapeseed oil, salt to taste.
Preparation:
1. Thoroughly rinse the Chinese toon sprouts several times under running water. Blanch in boiling water for one to two minutes, then drain and chop into small segments on a cutting board.
2. Crack all eggs into a glass bowl. Add a few drops of water, then whisk in one direction until the egg mixture is well blended. Stop whisking.
3. Once ingredients are prepped, wash and heat a wok. Add rapeseed oil. When hot, stir-fry the toon buds briefly. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
4. Add more rapeseed oil to the pan. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs and cook until about half set. Add the stir-fried toon sprouts and continuously toss until both ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Once combined, add two to three bowls of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes before seasoning with salt and scallions. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro.
Benefits: This soup nourishes the liver and strengthens the spleen. It's particularly beneficial for women with weak spleen and stomach function—remember to enjoy it regularly.
Both of these dietary recipes are suitable for women seeking springtime wellness. If you wish to nourish your body through diet, mastering these recipes is essential. Additionally, remember that springtime eating should emphasize sweet over sour flavors, prioritize stomach-nourishing foods, and minimize irritating ingredients. Spring is a season of heightened liver fire, and digestive energy often declines during this time, making the stomach and intestines vulnerable to damage. Even minor carelessness can lead to digestive issues.
Therefore, foods that easily harm the stomach and intestines should be minimized or avoided altogether—such as those that are excessively spicy, salty, or sour. Furthermore, for the sake of digestive health, cold or chilled foods should also be avoided.