Perilla omelette sandwich
An omelette flecked with fresh perilla, layered with cucumber in wholemeal toast — wonderfully fragrant and a lift for a heavy mood.
- 18 min
- Serves 2
- Pan-fry
- Easy
Why it suits you: Qi-stagnant people are prone to low moods, a tight chest and frequent sighing, and long summer days add to the pressure. Perilla is pungent and aromatic, moving qi and opening the chest; eggs nourish blood and calm the mind, while cucumber refreshes in the heat. The scent of perilla first thing lightens the mood.
Method
Prep 10 min · Cook 8 min- 1Rinse, dry and shred the perilla. Beat the eggs with salt and pepper and stir in the perilla.
- 2Heat the oil in a frying pan, pour in the eggs and cook over medium-low heat until golden underneath; flip, cook for 1 minute more and cut in two.
- 3Toast the bread, fill with the omelette and cucumber, and cut diagonally.
Cautions
- Perilla is dispersing; don't overdo it if you are run down and sweat easily.
Chef's tips
- Fresh perilla is sold at wet-market greengrocers and supermarkets; don't overcook it, or the aroma fades.
The TCM view
Perilla leaf is pungent and warm, moving qi, easing the chest and settling the stomach. Eggs are sweet and neutral, nourishing yin and blood and calming the mind. Cucumber is sweet and cool, clearing heat and relieving summer heat; wholemeal bread steadies the spleen. Perilla's aroma relieves stagnation, eggs soften the liver, and cucumber balances perilla's warmth.
