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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

Poached prawns with oyster sauce lettuce
Major Cold · Dinner · Balanced

Poached prawns with oyster sauce lettuce

Simply poached prawns with lettuce in oyster sauce — clean flavours and plenty of protein.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Poach
  • Easy
NeutralBoosts qiLight

Why it suits you: Festive meals around Major Cold tend to be rich. Poached prawns and lettuce are simple and light — an even dinner for a neutral constitution.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Trim and rinse the prawns; wash and tear the lettuce.
  2. 2Boil a pan of water with the ginger and spring onion and poach the prawns until pink and curled.
  3. 3Blanch the lettuce in the same water for 30 seconds.
  4. 4Fry the garlic in hot oil, add the oyster sauce and pour over the lettuce; dip the prawns in soy.

Cautions

  • Avoid with a shellfish allergy.

Chef's tips

  • Lift the prawns out as soon as they curl.

The TCM view

Prawns are sweet and warm, supporting the kidneys; lettuce is sweet and cool; ginger and spring onion balance the coolness.

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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.

Balanced

Yin–yang, qi and blood in good balance

Enjoy: Whole grains · Seasonal vegetables and fruit · Fish, eggs and tofu

Go easy: Overeating · Very greasy or spicy food · Lots of iced drinks

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.