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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

Lemongrass beef brisket claypot
Major Cold · Dinner · Qi Stagnation

Lemongrass beef brisket claypot

Beef brisket slowly braised with lemongrass and lime leaves — fragrant, appetising and uplifting.

  • 2 hr 20 min
  • Serves 3
  • Braise
  • Medium
WarmingMoves qiLifts the appetite

Why it suits you: Long nights at Major Cold leave qi-stagnation types low. Lemongrass and lime leaves are fresh and fragrant, moving qi and lightening the rich brisket.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 120 min
  1. 1Cut and blanch the brisket; bruise and cut the lemongrass; chop the daikon.
  2. 2Fry the ginger, shallots and lemongrass, then add the beef.
  3. 3Add the oyster sauce and water, bring to the boil and braise on low for 1½ hours.
  4. 4Add the daikon and lime leaves for 30 minutes until tender.

Chef's tips

  • Bruise the lemongrass to release its aroma.

The TCM view

Beef is sweet and warm; lemongrass is pungent and warm, moving qi; daikon descends qi and clears stagnation.

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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.

Qi Stagnation

Stress, low mood and frequent sighing

Enjoy: Rose bud tea · Aged tangerine peel · Citrus fruit · Kelp · Daylily buds

Go easy: Too much caffeine · Alcohol · Stress eating

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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.