Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

Name: Ginger and pork liver congee
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Pork liver 150 g; Rice 80 g; Ginger 1 large knob; Water 1000 ml; Light soy sauce 1 tsp; Cornflour 1 tsp; Chopped spring onion a little; Salt a pinch

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

20 Jan 2026

Tailor to a constitution

Major Cold · Breakfast · Yang Deficiency

Ginger and pork liver congee

Silky pork liver with plenty of ginger, which removes any strong taste and drives out the cold.

45 min
Serves 2
Simmer
Easy

WarmingWarms the middleNourishes blood

Why it suits you: At Major Cold yang-deficient people feel the cold most. Liver nourishes blood and ginger warms the middle — a warming start to the day.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min

1Rinse the rice, boil with the water, then simmer for 25 minutes.
2Slice the liver thinly, soak for 10 minutes and marinate with soy and cornflour.
3Shred the ginger finely and add half to the congee.
4Add the liver to the boiling congee, turn off the heat and leave 2 minutes, then top with ginger and spring onion.

Cautions

Liver is high in cholesterol — once or twice a week is enough.

Chef's tips

Let the liver cook in the residual heat so it stays tender.

The TCM view

Pork liver is sweet, bitter and warm, nourishing the liver and blood; ginger is pungent and warm; rice supports the spleen.

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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.

Yang Deficiency

Feels the cold, with cold hands and feet

Enjoy: Fresh ginger · Lamb · Chinese chives · Walnuts and chestnuts · Longan

Go easy: Iced drinks · Cooling foods like watermelon and bitter melon · Too much green tea or herbal "cooling" tea

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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.