During the dog days of summer, as the hottest and most humid season of the year, the human body is prone to sweating profusely and depleting qi and yin. Therefore, attention must be paid to diet for proper regulation. There is a saying, “Replenish during the dog days, treat summer ailments in winter,” but more importantly, it is essential to consume foods that can kill bacteria, dispel dampness, cleanse the intestines, detoxify, and promote flexibility to help the body cope with hot and humid weather. Among many seasonal vegetables, there is a treasure ingredient often overlooked by many – chili leaves – which not only are nutritionally rich but also possess various beneficial effects.
When chili is mentioned, most people think of the spicy and stimulating chili fruit used as a seasoning for flavor. However, many may not be aware that chili leaves are also highly nutritious. Chili leaves are rich in vitamin C, carotene, and minerals, along with dietary fiber and plant compounds, providing benefits such as intestines moisturizing, bacteria-killing, dampness dispelling, and flexibility promotion.
Here, I will introduce three delicious dishes with chili leaves as the main ingredient. These dishes are not only easy to make but also help satisfy your cravings while aiding in maintaining your health during the dog days of summer.
Recipe 1: Spicy Chili Leaf Soup
Ingredients: 200g chili leaves, 150g preserved egg, 50g minced meat, 2 spring onions, 3 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt to taste, cooking oil
Method:
1. Prepare the ingredients: First, remove the chili leaves, wash them, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, drain and place them in a plate. Cut the preserved eggs into pieces, finely chop the spring onions, ginger, and garlic.
2. Stir-fry the minced meat: Heat some oil in a pan, sauté the spring onions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Then add the minced meat and stir-fry until it changes color and releases aroma. Add the preserved egg pieces, gently stir-fry, pour in soy sauce and a pinch of salt for seasoning.
3. Prepare the soup: Pour in some boiling water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for a while to enrich the broth. Finally, pour the cooked broth and meat over the blanched chili leaves, and serve.
This Spicy Chili Leaf Soup combines the fragrant chili leaves with the rich taste of preserved eggs, enhancing the dish with the savory minced meat. The flavorful broth and tender texture of the chili leaves increase your appetite. This dish not only stimulates the appetite but also has the effects of intestines moisturizing and aiding digestion, making it particularly suitable for consumption during the dog days of summer.
Recipe 2: Stir-Fried Chili Leaf with Eggs
Ingredients: 150g chili leaves, 3 eggs, chopped spring onion, salt, cooking oil
Directions:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the chili leaves and cut them into small pieces. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat well.
2. Stir-fry the chili leaves: Heat some cooking oil in a pan, stir-fry the spring onion until fragrant, then add the chili leaves and stir-fry until slightly softened.
3. Add the egg mixture: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, quickly stir-fry to mix the eggs with the chili leaves evenly until the eggs are set. Season with salt according to taste, mix well, and plate.
This Stir-Fried Chili Leaf with Eggs has a golden color, where the fragrance of the chili leaves complements the smoothness of the eggs. This dish is simple and quick to make, yet rich in nutrients, making it ideal for breakfast or a light meal. During the dog days of summer, it not only provides protein but also promotes flexibility, suitable for all ages.
Recipe 3: Chili Leaf and Minced Pork Dumplings
Ingredients: 200g chili leaves, 300g minced pork filling, ginger, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, salt, dumpling wrappers
Method:
1. Prepare the chili leaves: Wash the chili leaves, blanch and chop them finely, then squeeze out excess water.
2. Prepare the filling: Mix the minced pork with chopped chili leaves, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, sesame oil, and cooking oil until well combined.
3. Make the dumplings: Place a portion of the filling onto a dumpling wrapper, moisten the edge with water, fold and seal. Boil the dumplings in water until they float and the skin turns translucent, then remove.
These chili leaf and minced pork dumplings have a juicy and flavorful filling, combining the fragrance of the chili leaves with the pork. The layered texture makes it delightful, suitable for all ages, and especially beneficial for intestinal health, perfect for consumption during the dog days of summer.
During the scorching dog days of summer, the body requires regulation and nourishment through diet. Chili leaves, an often-overlooked seasonal ingredient, offer multiple benefits such as intestines moisturizing, bacteria-killing, dampness dispelling, and flexibility promotion. By employing simple cooking methods, chili leaves can enhance both the health and flavor of your daily meals.
