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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

Red wine braised chicken with rice
Minor Cold · Lunch · Blood Stasis

Red wine braised chicken with rice

Chicken thighs slowly braised in red wine with mushrooms — rich, glossy and warming.

  • 50 min
  • Serves 2
  • Braise
  • Medium
WarmingMoves bloodWarms the middle

Why it suits you: At Minor Cold the cold slows circulation and blood-stasis types get cold hands and stiff shoulders. Red wine warms the vessels, and braised with chicken it moves blood gently.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 35 min
  1. 1Cut the chicken into pieces and salt for 10 minutes; slice the mushrooms and chop the onion and carrot.
  2. 2Brown the chicken skin side down, then lift out.
  3. 3Fry the onion, garlic and tomato purée in the same pan, then add the mushrooms and carrot.
  4. 4Return the chicken, add the wine, bring to the boil and braise on low for 25 minutes. Serve with rice.

Cautions

  • Some alcohol remains — take care in pregnancy and for children.

Chef's tips

  • Render the chicken skin first for a richer sauce.

The TCM view

Chicken is sweet and warm; red wine is sweet, pungent and warm, moving blood; onion moves qi; mushrooms support 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.