Healthy Food by Gabrielle Cooper-WeiszWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
The concept of a dietary regimen has a long history in China. As the saying goes, "If you want to improve your health, food is the best medicine." Food therapy means maintaining a balanced diet according to the attributes of certain food groups (cold, cool, warm, hot) to prevent and cure diseases, as well as strengthen the body.
二十四节气摄影图：小暑 by Da DongWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Chinese recipes for dietary regimens
No dietary regimen can be discussed without mentioning the lotus, one of the ten most famous flowers in China. When it comes to medicinal usage, the lotus flower is a veritable treasure trove. Its leaves, seeds, and roots all make for excellent raw materials that serve medical functions. Next, we'll explore the secrets lying within the lotus.
Dietary regimen: Lotus Leaf Congee
"Green lotus leaves spread out as far as a boundless sky. Pink lotus blossoms take from the sunshine a new hue." Pink, delicate, and immaculate, every lotus flower relies on its leaves for protection. From the perspective of food therapy, lotus leaves are a healthy ingredient rich in nutrients.
Lotus Leaf by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
The appetizing lotus leaf tastes bitter and pungent, yet gives off a pleasant aroma. On a sultry summer day, a bowl of cold Lotus Leaf Congee is simultaneously tasty and nourishing, and can both relieve heat and expel various toxins from the human body. Taking it regularly over a long period of time contributes to the health of one's spleen and stomach, and can reduce blood lipids, lower blood pressure, encourage blood circulation, and stop bleeding.
Lotus Leaf Porridge 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Lotus Leaf Congee:
Cut fresh lotus leaves into small pieces. Boil the leaves in water, then filter out the residue to distill the resulting juice. Add rice and rock sugar to some water. Boil until the rice is cooked, but before the soup begins to thicken. Pour in the lotus leaf juice, turn down the heat, and bring it to a slow boil.
Lotus Seed 2 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: White Fungus and Lotus Seed Soup
Lotus seeds are an ideal ingredient for both medicinal and cooking purposes. They promote the production of several body fluids in addition to reducing inflammation and fortifying the lungs.
Snow Fungus and Lotus Seeds by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
White fungus is beneficial for the liver, stomach, and lungs, and pairs nicely with lotus seed. White Fungus and Lotus Seed Soup is the perfect antidote for dry autumn weather.
Snow Fungus with Lotus Seed Soup by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for White Fungus and Lotus Seed Soup:
Soak the white fungus and remove the roots. Tear the remaining white fungus into small pieces. The smaller the better. Clean the lotus seeds and toss them together with the white fungus into a pot. Stew for about an hour.
Lotus Seed 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds from Hunan
Hunan lotus seeds are a variety of lotus seed that is a local specialty in Hunan. Compared with normal lotus seeds, they are richer in protein and lower in fat. This particular variety is highly prized throughout China.
Sugar Candy Lotus 2 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds are good for the heart, kidney, and spleen and are recommended for the elderly and sickly.
Sugar Candy Lotus 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds:
Peel the lotus seeds and remove the cores. Place them into a bowl and steam until they become sticky. Put the proper amount of water and rock sugar into a pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add some goji berries, dried longans, and pineapple pieces. Take the steamed lotus seeds and put them into a big bowl. Pour the soup from the bowl onto the lotus seeds, and enjoy.
Lotus Root1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Rock Sugar Water Chestnut and Lotus Root Soup
The lotus root grows in silty soil. In autumn, the lotus transfers all its nutrients to the slender end of the stalk to help it grow into a plump white lotus root. This root is said to relieve heat, suppress coughs, improve digestion, and reduce phlegm. Together with salubrious water chestnuts, it can be made into the highly nutritious Rock Sugar Water Chestnuts and Lotus Root Soup.
Water Chestnut Congee with Ice Sugar Lotus Root 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Rock Sugar Water Chestnut and Lotus Root Soup:
Peel and clean the water chestnuts, then clean and cut the lotus root into pieces. Boil them together in a pot for about 20 minutes, then add rock sugar and stew for another 10 minutes.
Lotus Root2 by Gabrielle Cooper-WeiszWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Lotus Root Pork Rib Soup
Lotus root and pork rib are both beneficial for one's vital organs and help with blood generation, making it an ideal recipe for the sickly.
Stew Ribs in Lotus root by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Lotus Root Pork Rib Soup:
Place the pork ribs into boiling water for a few minutes, then remove them. Clean and roll-cut the lotus root. Put the lotus root pieces into a pot with the ribs and add ginger slices and scallions. Stew over high heat for about half an hour. Add condiments to taste just before the soup is finished.
Stir-Fried Celery and Lily Bulbs 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Apart from lotus, many other plants also make for ideal ingredients in food therapy.
Fresh Lily Buds by World Federation Of Chinese Catering IndustryWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Stir-Fried Celery and Lily
Here, lily does not refer to the common ornamental flower itself, but to its bulbs. Lily bulbs have the beneficial effect of nourishing the lungs and relieving cough. Its cold attribute can also soothe anxiety. It has high medical value for those suffering from high blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and iron-deficiency anemia.
Stir-Fried Celery and Lily Bulbs 2 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Stir-Fried Celery and Lily:
Wash and cut the celery. Clean and tear the lily bulbs into pieces. Heat some oil in a wok and stir-fry the celery until it is about half done. Add the lily bulbs and condiments. Stir-fry until the dish is well cooked.
Congee has long been a necessity when it comes to maintaining one's health. Being easily digestible, congee is a perfect choice for those who have gastrointestinal problems and other physical weaknesses.
Peanut by SHAANXI TOURISM CUISINE PROFESSIONAL COLLEGEWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen:
Peanut and Red Date CongeeRaw and cooked peanuts are both incredibly healthy. Cooked peanuts, in particular, can be more easily digested by the human body. Peanuts can nourish the lungs and lower blood fat. Red dates can benefit one's spleen, invigorate the body in an overall sense, promote the generation of blood and bodily liquids, and ease one's nerves. The combination of peanuts and red dates does wonders for strengthening the spleen and stomach, and pro
Chinese Date Porridge by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Peanut and Red Date Congee:
Boil the peanuts until they are sufficiently cooked. Add pre-washed rice into the pot along with extra water. After the water comes to a boil, add the red dates, then continue to simmer over low heat until the congee thickens.
Ginseng Semen Coicis Congee 2 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Adlay Seed Congee with Ginseng and Radix Astragali
This congee is highly suitable for those who have a weakened spleen and stomach.
Ginseng Semen Coicis Congee 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Adlay Seed Congee with Ginseng and Radix Astragali:
Wash ginseng, radix astragali, rice, and adlay seeds, and put them all into a pot. Add sufficient water and boil until the mixture is viscous in consistency.
Healthy Food by Gabrielle Cooper-WeiszWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Many Chinese ingredients are rich in nutrients. By mixing and matching these ingredients and cooking them using the appropriate method, you will end up with dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.
Fried Fish Slices with Chinese Yam 2 by Gabrielle Cooper-WeiszWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Stir-Fried Fish Fillets with Yam
Yams are a superfood capable of nourishing the lungs, relieving cough, and benefiting both the spleen and kidneys.
Steamed PerchWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Meanwhile, fish is rich in protein and vitamins. The crispy yam compliments the soft fish fillets nicely.
Fried Fish Slices with Chinese Yam 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Pairing both with shredded scallion and black fungus results in an elegant, palatable, and nutritious dish.
Recipe for Stir-Fried Fish Fillets with Yam:
Prepare some black carp fillets. Add cooking wine and starch and mix together thoroughly. Wash and peel the yam, and then cut it into pieces. After heating some oil in a wok, add scallions and ginger to bring out the aroma. Put the fish fillets and yam pieces into the wok. Stir-fry the ingredients together with any other condiments. When the ingredients are just about finished, pour in the starch sauce and then stir-fry over high heat until the liquid is reduced.
Stewed White Radish with Mutton 2 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Dietary regimen: Stewed Mutton with Turnip
Mutton is a warm food that provides health benefits to those suffering from general physical deficiencies, cold sensitivity, and poor nutrition. It makes the perfect winter-time dish. Mutton is usually paired with white turnip. This combination can help resolve food stagnation as well as reduce phlegm and inflammation. It is for that very same reason, however, that those who have swollen gums and dry mouth should either eat less of this dish or refrain from it altogether.
Stewed White Radish with Lamb 1 by Shanxi Tourism and Culinary Vocational CollegeWorld Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Recipe for Stewed Mutton with Turnip:
Prepare turnips by peeling and chopping them into pieces. Wash the mutton and cut it into pieces. Parboil the mutton, then add it to the pot along with the ginger, garlic, scallions, Sichuan pepper, cooking wine, and water and stew for about 30 minutes. Add the turnip pieces and a pinch of salt, then stew for another 15 minutes.
Chinese people have placed great importance on their diet since antiquity. In the palace, there was even a dietician responsible for planning the royal family's daily diet, and canonical medical texts such as Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, Shen-nong's Herbal Classics, and Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders chronicled the medicinal value of various ingredients. For Chinese people, maintaining a healthy diet is part and parcel to their way of life.
