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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

Hairy gourd and black-eyed pea soup
Minor Cold · Breakfast · Sensitive (Allergic)

Hairy gourd and black-eyed pea soup

A plain soup of hairy gourd and black-eyed peas — no spices and no seafood, so a sensitive constitution can start the day calmly.

  • 30 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralPlain and warmingSupports the spleen

Why it suits you: Sensitive types are prone to winter sniffles and itchy skin, so breakfast should be plain and low in common allergens. Hairy gourd and black-eyed peas are gentle, with no spices and no seafood.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min
  1. 1Rinse the peas, soaking them overnight if you can.
  2. 2Peel the gourd, discard the soft centre and cut it into pieces.
  3. 3Boil the peas and ginger in the water for 15 minutes.
  4. 4Add the gourd and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Season lightly.

Cautions

  • Skip it if beans do not agree with you, and keep the salt light.

Chef's tips

  • Soak the peas overnight and they cook in about fifteen minutes.

The TCM view

Hairy gourd is sweet, bland and cool, clearing heat and generating fluids; black-eyed peas are sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and easing damp; a little ginger warms the stomach. It suits sensitive 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.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

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.