Introduction: During these dog days of summer, it’s as hot as a steamer, and as soon as you step out, the sweat drips down like rain. For us middle-aged and elderly folks, the key is to take care of ourselves in a timely manner. At this time, we should have some cool and nourishing food. As the saying goes, “Eat melons in summer, fruits in autumn, don’t overlook green beans,” don’t underestimate it on regular days, when it comes to summer, it’s a natural “little helper” for invigorating the spleen, reducing swelling, aiding in bowel movements, and nourishing the skin! Not knowing how to eat it would be a real loss!
1. Invigorate the spleen and stomach, open up your appetite
With the onset of summer and the heat rising, many people tend to lose their appetite and have digestive issues. This is when green bean leaves should shine! They are gentle in nature and can harmonize the qi of the spleen and stomach, like giving our “stomach house” a gentle massage, opening up the appetite so that everything tastes delicious.
2. Reduce swelling and diuretic effect, feel light all summer
In hot weather, the body is prone to retaining dampness, leading to edema and a heavy feeling. The natural components in green bean leaves act like a “small water pump” in the body, helping to eliminate excess water, reduce swelling, and make the body feel lighter.
3. Nourish the intestines, promote bowel movements, feel relaxed
In today’s fast-paced life, constipation has become a hidden issue for many people. Green bean leaves are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, aid digestion, and naturally relieve the discomfort of constipation, leaving you feeling relaxed and happy.
4. Natural beauty care, rejuvenate youth
When it comes to beauty care, green bean leaves are also a great help! They are rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, promote metabolism, and with long-term consumption, your skin will become more delicate and radiant. It’s like having a built-in beauty filter, rejuvenating youth and vitality.
-Green Bean Leaf Congee-
Ingredients: Fresh green bean leaves (washed and chopped), 1 cup of rice, adequate water, a pinch of salt, a few drops of sesame oil.
Instructions:
Soak the rice: Soak the rice for half an hour in advance so that the congee will be more sticky and delicious when cooked.
Cook the congee: Put the soaked rice in a pot, add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add green bean leaves: When the congee is about 70-80% cooked and becomes thicker, sprinkle the chopped green bean leaves into the pot. Gently stir with a spoon to ensure the even distribution of green bean leaves in the congee.
Continue to simmer: After adding the green bean leaves, continue to simmer over low heat for a few minutes until the green bean leaves soften and the congee becomes greener due to the addition of green bean leaves.
Seasoning: According to personal taste, add a little salt to the congee for seasoning. Be careful not to add too much salt to avoid masking the natural fragrance of the green bean leaves.
Enhance flavor: Finally, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over the congee, gently stir to mix evenly and enhance the aroma of the congee. This way, a bowl of fragrant, spleen-invigorating, and summer-relieving green bean leaf congee is ready.
Ingredients: Fresh green bean leaves (washed and drained), a little minced garlic, some shredded chili, light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, a few drops of sesame oil.
Instructions:
Blanching: Blanch the washed and drained green bean leaves in boiling water. Be careful not to blanch for too long, about 30 seconds until the leaves change color, then remove and immediately rinse with cold water to maintain their green color, and drain the water.
Prepare the seasoning: In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt to taste, adjust the proportions according to personal preference, and stir well to make a dressing sauce.
Mix with green bean leaves: Place the drained green bean leaves in a plate, sprinkle with minced garlic and shredded chili. Then pour in the prepared dressing sauce, gently mix with chopsticks or hands to ensure each leaf is coated with the flavor of the dressing sauce.
Enhance flavor and serve: Finally, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over the mixed green bean leaves to enhance the flavor. Then serve the mixed green bean leaves on a plate for a dish that is appetizing, relieving swelling, and suitable for summer consumption.
Above are the food recipes shared with you today. If you find them useful, be sure to save them. Of course, if you have any dishes you are not familiar with, feel free to leave a message for me!
