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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

Beetroot and beef shin soup
Minor Cold · Dinner · Blood Stasis

Beetroot and beef shin soup

Beetroot turns this soup ruby red, with tender beef shin — warming and good for circulation.

  • 2 hr 50 min
  • Serves 3
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingMoves bloodWarms the middle

Why it suits you: At Minor Cold circulation slows and blood-stasis types suffer cold hands and period pain. Beetroot moves blood and beef shin warms.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 150 min
  1. 1Cut the beef into large pieces, blanch and rinse.
  2. 2Peel and chop the beetroot and carrot; cut the onion into wedges.
  3. 3Simmer everything for 2 hours.
  4. 4Lift out and slice the beef, and season the soup.

Cautions

  • Beetroot can colour urine red — this is harmless.

Chef's tips

  • Serve the sliced beef with soy sauce.

The TCM view

Beetroot is sweet and neutral, moving and nourishing blood; beef is sweet and warm; onion moves qi; carrot supports the spleen.

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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.

Blood Stasis

Sluggish circulation, dull tone, easy bruising

Enjoy: Black wood-ear fungus · Onion · Black beans · Hawthorn · Aubergine

Go easy: Raw and cold food · Very rich, fatty food · Sitting still for hours

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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.