Nourishing Your Childs Spleen and Stomach This Autumn and Winter A Traditional Chinese Soup Recipe
As the seasons change and the weather cools down, it's essential to take extra care of our children's health. The autumn and winter months can be challenging for young ones, with the risk of colds and flu on the rise. One way to bolster your child's immune system and support their overall health is by incorporating a nourishing soup into their diet. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen and stomach are considered vital organs responsible for digestion, absorption, and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. Here's a delicious and easy-to-make soup recipe designed to nurture your child's spleen and stomach during the cooler months.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork knuckle or beef brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb (225g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of goji berries (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup of red dates (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup of lotus seeds (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1/2 cup of white fungus (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, then cut into small pieces)
- 8 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of rock sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by cleaning the pork knuckle or beef brisket under cold running water and placing it in a large pot.
2. Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This process removes any impurities and blood from the meat.
3. After 10 minutes, discard the water and clean the pot. Return the meat to the pot and cover with fresh water.
4. Add the goji berries, red dates, lotus seeds, and white fungus to the pot. Bring the water to a boil again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 2 hours.
5. Once the soup has simmered for 2 hours, add the rock sugar and salt to taste. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm to your child.
Benefits of the Soup:
- Boosts Immunity: The combination of goji berries, red dates, and white fungus is believed to enhance the immune system, helping to protect your child from common colds and flu during the colder months.
- Improves Digestion: The meat and other ingredients in this soup work together to support the spleen and stomach, promoting healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Increases Energy: The combination of ingredients in this soup provides a rich source of energy, which is particularly beneficial during the autumn and winter when energy levels can dip due to colder weather.
- Promotes Sleep: Lotus seeds have been used in TCM to help improve sleep quality, making this soup a great option for children who struggle with restful nights.
By incorporating this autumn and winter spleen and stomach-nourishing soup into your child's diet, you can help support their overall health and well-being. Remember, a healthy child is a happy child, so take the time to prepare this warming and comforting soup for your little ones this season.
