Spring · from 4 Feb

Start of Spring

Name: Savoury chicken oat porridge with ginger and spring onion
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Rolled oats 80 g; Chicken breast 120 g, shredded; Fresh ginger 3 slices, shredded; Spring onions 2, chopped; Water 600 ml; Cornflour 1 tsp; Salt a pinch; Ground white pepper a pinch

立春

Nourish Liver Yang, protect against wind-cold.

Next: Rain Water on 18 Feb — 14 days

4 Feb 2026

Tailor to a constitution

Start of Spring · Breakfast · Phlegm-Dampness

Savoury chicken oat porridge with ginger and spring onion

Rolled oats cooked as a savoury porridge with shredded chicken, ginger and spring onion: a warm bowl in ten minutes.

20 min
Serves 2
Simmer
Easy

WarmingClears dampWarms away phlegm

Why it suits you: Phlegm-Dampness means feeling heavy, sleepy and phlegmy, and after rich New Year feasting, lighter food matters even more. Oats strengthen the spleen, and warming ginger and spring onion help spring yang rise, a light savoury start instead of greasy dim sum.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min

1Toss the chicken with the cornflour and a little salt.
2Bring the water and ginger to the boil, add the oats and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
3Add the chicken for 2 minutes until cooked, season with salt and pepper and scatter over the spring onion.

Chef's tips

With instant oats, add them last and cook for just 1 minute.

The TCM view

Oats are sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and easing the bowels. Chicken is sweet and warm and warms the middle; ginger and spring onion are pungent and warm, dispersing cold and warming away phlegm-damp. Low in oil and sugar, the bowl helps the spleen clear damp.

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Seasonal principle

Spring is the time of the Liver. Focus on gentle movement and eating foods that help the Liver Qi rise. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can stagnate Qi. It is important to dress warmly to protect against the lingering winter cold, especially around the neck and joints. Engage in light stretching exercises to promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.

In season now

In season around Start of Spring: Chives, Coriander, Ginger, Dates, Honey

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Phlegm-Dampness

Heaviness, sluggishness and a full belly

Enjoy: Job's tears (coix seed) · Adzuki beans · Winter melon · White radish · Aged tangerine peel

Go easy: Sweets and sugary drinks · Greasy food and late-night snacks · Lots of dairy and cold 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.