After the Great Heat, it is also the hottest time of summer, with the scorching sun, sultry and humid, just as the ancient poem goes: “When will the red sun pass, where can the cool breeze be found,” a typical “sauna weather.”
In this hot season, it’s good to have some “bitter” taste, adjust the diet, clear heat, enhance spleen and stomach function, soothe the body, and have a healthy Three Dog Days, hot as they are.
Folk wisdom says, “If you don’t endure bitterness in the Three Dog Days, your body will suffer.” Here, the bitterness doesn’t imply physical exhaustion but eating foods with a bitter taste like bitter chrysanthemum, bitter melon, lotus seeds, dandelions, etc. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, bitter foods clear heat, relieve heat, and make it easier for people to escape the summer troubles.
Today, I will share with you the recipes for two bitter dishes, simple and nutritious, easy to make at home, ideal for consumption after the Great Heat. Let’s see how they are made.
1. Bitter Melon Stir-Fried with Eggs
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is bitter and cold in nature, rich in protein, vitamins, and various minerals, with the therapeutic effects of clearing heat, moistening the dryness, especially suitable for consumption in the Three Dog Days.
– Prepare bitter melon, slice and remove the seeds, cut into slices, chop green onions, dice red pepper for color.
– Beat eggs in a bowl, add salt, a few drops of vinegar for flavor, cook bitter melon, drain and cool.
– Stir-fry eggs, set aside. Stir-fry green onions, red pepper, add bitter melon, season with salt, add eggs, stir fry, garnish with sesame oil, serve.
2. Cold-Braised Bitter Chrysanthemum
Bitter chrysanthemum, also known as chicory or cichorium intybus, slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness, can be stir-fried or cold-dressed, a delicious food that clears heat, and has antibacterial, antipyretic, and eye health benefits.
– Prepare bitter chrysanthemum, soak in saltwater, cut into sections, prepare garlic.
– Heat oil, fry peanuts, set aside.
– Mix bitter chrysanthemum with salt, sugar, vinegar, garlic, scallion oil, add peanuts, mix well, serve.
There you have it, today’s gourmet recipes end here. If you have different opinions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment in the section below. Thank you for reading, until the next time.
