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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

Ginger steamed chicken with pea shoots
Minor Cold · Dinner · Sensitive (Allergic)

Ginger steamed chicken with pea shoots

Chicken marinated in ginger juice and steamed, with garlic pea shoots — simple, fresh and gentle for sensitive constitutions.

  • 35 min
  • Serves 2
  • Steam
  • Easy
NeutralBoosts qiLow in common allergens

Why it suits you: Allergy-prone people do best with simple, fresh food. Ginger-steamed chicken needs no complex sauces and still warms you at Minor Cold.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min
  1. 1Grate and squeeze the ginger; chop the chicken and marinate with the juice and salt for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Lay the chicken flat on a plate and steam on high for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Fry the crushed garlic, add the pea shoots and stir-fry quickly with salt.
  4. 4Drizzle the chicken with a little soy and serve with the greens.

Chef's tips

  • Spread the pieces out so they cook evenly.

The TCM view

Chicken is sweet and warm, boosting qi; ginger warms the middle; pea shoots harmonise the stomach.

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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.