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PANguin

Winter · from 5 Jan

Minor Cold

小寒

Warm Spleen and Kidneys, dispel cold.

Next: Major Cold on 20 Jan — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Celery and beef congee
Minor Cold · Breakfast · Damp-Heat

Celery and beef congee

Celery and thin beef in congee — fresh rather than rich, a lighter morning after too many hotpots.

  • 50 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralClears heatSupports the spleen

Why it suits you: Damp-heat types who have eaten a lot of hotpot wake with a bitter taste. Celery clears heat and drains water, beef nourishes, and plain congee keeps Minor Cold breakfast from adding more damp heat.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 35 min
  1. 1Marinate the beef with the soy sauce and cornflour for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Boil the rice in the water, then simmer for 25 minutes.
  3. 3Dice the celery, add it and cook for 3 minutes.
  4. 4Add the beef and cook until it just changes colour. Season lightly.

Cautions

  • Slice the beef thin and take it off the heat as soon as it changes colour.

Chef's tips

  • The celery leaves are worth adding — they smell fresher.

The TCM view

Celery is sweet and cool, clearing heat, draining water and calming the liver; beef is sweet and neutral, supporting the spleen and strengthening sinew; rice supports the spleen. It suits damp-heat types at Minor Cold.

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Seasonal principle

One of the coldest periods. Focus on warming the Kidneys and strengthening the Spleen to maintain energy. Consume hearty, mixed-grain porridges (like Laba congee) to provide sustained warmth and nutrition. Avoid cold drinks and raw foods entirely during this deep freeze.

In season now

In season around Minor Cold: Glutinous Rice, Red Bean, Peanut, Chestnut, Pork Ribs

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Damp-Heat

Oily skin, breakouts and a bitter taste

Enjoy: Mung beans · Winter melon and cucumber · Bitter melon · Celery · Job's tears

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Alcohol · Rich, sugary food

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.