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PANguin

Winter · from 22 Nov

Minor Snow

小雪

Warm Yang, nourish Kidneys.

Next: Major Snow on 7 Dec — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Red-braised beef brisket with cinnamon
Minor Snow · Dinner · Yang Deficiency

Red-braised beef brisket with cinnamon

Beef brisket slow-braised with cinnamon and star anise for deep, warming flavour.

  • 2 hr 15 min
  • Serves 4
  • Braise
  • Medium
WarmingWarms yangBoosts qi

Why it suits you: As Minor Snow deepens the cold, cinnamon warms yang and beef boosts qi for a chilly constitution.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 120 min
  1. 1Cut and blanch the brisket.
  2. 2Fry the ginger, then the chu hou paste and brisket.
  3. 3Add the cinnamon, star anise, sugar and water to cover and braise gently for 90 minutes.
  4. 4Add the carrot and braise for 30 minutes more.

Cautions

  • Cinnamon is hot, so avoid with yin-deficient heat.

Chef's tips

  • It tastes even better the next day.

The TCM view

Cinnamon is pungent, sweet and hot, warming yang; beef is warm, boosting spleen qi.

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Seasonal principle

The weather turns colder. Focus on warming the Yang energy and nourishing the Kidneys with nutrient-dense foods. Keep your head and feet particularly warm, as these are areas where cold easily enters. Consume warm soups and stews to maintain core body temperature.

In season now

In season around Minor Snow: Walnut, Black Sesame, Cashew, Beef, Cinnamon

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Yang Deficiency

Feels the cold, with cold hands and feet

Enjoy: Fresh ginger · Lamb · Chinese chives · Walnuts and chestnuts · Longan

Go easy: Iced drinks · Cooling foods like watermelon and bitter melon · Too much green tea or herbal "cooling" tea

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.