Skip to content
PANguin

Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Sardines in tomato on toast
Major Cold · Breakfast · Blood Stasis

Sardines in tomato on toast

Tinned sardines warmed with onion and tomato and piled on toast — breakfast in ten minutes.

  • 15 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingMoves bloodBoosts qi

Why it suits you: At Major Cold circulation slows and blood-stasis types get cold hands. Sardines are rich in fish oil and onion moves qi, helping blood flow.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Dice the tomato and slice the red onion.
  2. 2Soften the onion in the oil, then add the tomato.
  3. 3Add the sardines with their sauce, break them up gently and heat through.
  4. 4Pile onto toast and finish with parsley and pepper.

Cautions

  • Tinned fish is salty, so skip extra salt.

Chef's tips

  • Sardines in tomato sauce suit this best.

The TCM view

Sardines are sweet and warm, boosting qi and moving blood; onion moves qi; tomato generates fluids.

AI Recipe Studio

Want a dish made just for you?

Tell PANguin what’s in your fridge, how long you have and any health needs — it designs a recipe and saves it for you.

  • For Blood Stasis
  • Right for Major Cold
  • Uses what you have
  • Nutrition + shopping list
Create my recipeAbout 20 seconds · free

Seasonal principle

The last term of the year. Protect against extreme cold while preparing the body for the coming Spring. Transition from heavy, greasy tonics to more balanced, gentle nourishment. Start incorporating slightly pungent foods to help the body's energy begin its upward movement for spring.

In season now

In season around Major Cold: Chicken, Yam, Dates, Goji Berries, Black Fungus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Blood Stasis

Sluggish circulation, dull tone, easy bruising

Enjoy: Black wood-ear fungus · Onion · Black beans · Hawthorn · Aubergine

Go easy: Raw and cold food · Very rich, fatty food · Sitting still for hours

Not sure of your constitution?

Take the 4-minute test and meals will adjust automatically. Start

Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.