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PANguin

Spring · from 4 Feb

Start of Spring

立春

Nourish Liver Yang, protect against wind-cold.

Next: Rain Water on 18 Feb — 14 days

Tailor to a constitution

Dried scallop and napa cabbage vermicelli soup
Start of Spring · Breakfast · Yin Deficiency

Dried scallop and napa cabbage vermicelli soup

Dried scallops and napa cabbage make a sweet, clear broth for fine wheat vermicelli: moistening without being drying.

  • 22 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yin, moistens drynessClears heat

Why it suits you: Yin Deficiency already brings a dry mouth and warm palms, and the Start of Spring is dry, often after plenty of fried New Year food. Dried scallop nourishes yin and napa cabbage cools and moistens, making a clear, savoury breakfast that is moistening, not drying.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 12 min
  1. 1The night before, cover the scallops with water and soak them in the fridge. In the morning shred them, keeping the soaking water.
  2. 2Bring the scallops, their water, the ginger and 700 ml water to the boil, add the cabbage and simmer for 8 minutes until soft and sweet.
  3. 3Boil the vermicelli separately for 2 minutes, drain into the soup and taste before adding salt.

Cautions

  • If you react to shellfish, use soaked shiitake mushrooms instead of scallops.

Chef's tips

  • Wheat vermicelli is already salty: rinse it before cooking and go easy on salt.

The TCM view

Dried scallop is sweet, salty and slightly warm, nourishing yin and the kidneys and settling the middle. Napa cabbage is sweet, neutral and slightly cold, clearing heat, easing restlessness and helping the bowels. Together they moisten dryness without chilling.

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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.

Yin Deficiency

Dryness with a sense of inner heat

Enjoy: Lily bulb and snow fungus · Asian pear · Duck · Lotus root and tofu · Black sesame

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Too much coffee and alcohol · Warming, drying foods such as lamb

Not sure of your constitution?

Take the 4-minute test and meals will adjust automatically. Start

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.