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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

Baked rice with cauliflower and chicken
Minor Cold · Lunch · Sensitive (Allergic)

Baked rice with cauliflower and chicken

Chicken and cauliflower baked over rice in tomato sauce, with no cheese, so it suits sensitive constitutions.

  • 40 min
  • Serves 2
  • Bake
  • Medium
NeutralBoosts qiLow in common allergens

Why it suits you: Allergy-prone people do best with simple food. This bake skips cheese and cream, using only fresh chicken and vegetables, served piping hot at Minor Cold.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min
  1. 1Heat the oven to 200°C; cut the cauliflower into small florets, dice the chicken and salt it.
  2. 2Dice the tomatoes and onion and cook them in oil into a sauce.
  3. 3Spread the rice in a dish, top with chicken and cauliflower and pour over the sauce.
  4. 4Bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and lightly browned.

Cautions

  • If sensitive to tomato, use a pumpkin purée sauce.

Chef's tips

  • Small florets cook through evenly.

The TCM view

Chicken is sweet and warm, boosting qi; cauliflower is sweet and neutral, supporting the spleen; tomato generates fluids. Balanced overall.

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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?

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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.