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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

Braised pork trotters with soya beans
Minor Cold · Dinner · Qi Deficiency

Braised pork trotters with soya beans

Pork trotters braised until meltingly soft with soya beans soaking up the sauce.

  • 2 hr 20 min
  • Serves 3
  • Braise
  • Medium
WarmingBoosts qiNourishes blood

Why it suits you: People with qi deficiency tire easily at Minor Cold. Slow-braised trotters and beans give rich, easy protein to restore strength.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 120 min
  1. 1Soak the beans overnight. Chop the trotters, blanch from cold water and rinse.
  2. 2Fry the ginger, add the trotters until lightly browned and splash in the wine.
  3. 3Add both soy sauces, rock sugar, star anise, water and the beans.
  4. 4Bring to the boil and braise on low for 1½–2 hours until tender, then reduce the sauce.

Cautions

  • Trotters are fatty — skim the fat if watching cholesterol.

Chef's tips

  • A pressure cooker cuts it to about 40 minutes.

The TCM view

Trotters are sweet, salty and neutral, nourishing blood and qi; soya beans support the spleen; ginger and star anise warm the middle.

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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.

Qi Deficiency

Low energy, tires easily and catches colds

Enjoy: Chinese yam · Millet and pumpkin · Red dates · Chicken and beef · Shiitake and soybeans

Go easy: Raw, cold food and iced drinks · Crash dieting · Greasy, heavy meals

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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.