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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

Choi sum and beef udon soup
Major Cold · Breakfast · Sensitive (Allergic)

Choi sum and beef udon soup

Chewy udon with thin beef and choi sum in a clear broth — simple and gentle for sensitive constitutions.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralBuilds qi and bloodLow in common allergens

Why it suits you: Allergy-prone people do best with fresh, simple ingredients. A clear udon soup needs no complex sauces, and beef warms you at Major Cold.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Slice the beef thinly and marinate with cornflour and a little salt for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Bring the stock to the boil with the ginger and cook the choi sum for 2 minutes.
  3. 3Add the udon for 3 minutes until loosened.
  4. 4Add the beef, turn off the heat as soon as it boils and season.

Cautions

  • Udon contains gluten — use rice noodles if sensitive.

Chef's tips

  • Turn off the heat as soon as the beef goes in so it stays tender.

The TCM view

Beef is sweet and warm, building spleen, qi and blood; choi sum harmonises; ginger warms the stomach. Balanced overall.

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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.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

Not sure of your constitution?

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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.