“No detoxification during the dog days, the body will be blocked all year round,” this proverb reminds us that detoxification through diet is crucial during the dog days. The dog days are the hottest and most humid period in summer, and proper diet can help the body expel dampness, enhance immunity, and maintain health. Winter melon barley rib soup, bitter melon fried eggs, and stir-fried Chinese yam are three dishes very suitable for consumption during the dog days. These dishes are not only refreshing and delicious but also have the effects of dampness dispelling, heat clearing, and nourishing the body. By eating these healthy foods, you can effectively detoxify, maintain the comfort and vitality of your body, and prevent health problems caused by dampness.
I. Winter Melon Barley Rib Soup
Ingredients: Winter melon 500g; Rib 300g; Barley 50g; Red dates 4-5 pieces; Ginger 2 slices; Cooking wine 1 tablespoon; Salt to taste; White pepper powder to taste; Water appropriate amount; Spring onion 1 stalk (optional)
Steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel and deseed the winter melon, cut into large pieces. Rinse the rib, blanch in water to remove impurities, then drain and set aside. Soak the barley for 2 hours in advance, wash the red dates and remove the pits. Slice the ginger, chop the spring onion (optional).
2. Blanch the rib: In a pot, add water, rib, ginger slices, and cooking wine. Bring to a boil, blanch for 2-3 minutes, then remove and drain.
3. Cook the barley: In a clay pot, add water, soaked barley, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the rib: Add the blanched rib to the clay pot, bring to a boil with the barley, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the winter melon and red dates: Add the winter melon chunks and red dates to the pot, continue simmering for 20 minutes, until the winter melon becomes translucent and tender.
6. Season: Add salt and white pepper to taste, stir well, simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
7. Serve: Pour the cooked winter melon barley rib soup into a bowl, sprinkle with spring onion (optional), and enjoy.
Tip:
(1) Soaking barley in advance can shorten cooking time and make it easier to cook.
(2) Blanching the rib can remove impurities and make the soup clearer.
(3) Do not cut winter melon chunks too small to avoid affecting the texture.
II. Bitter Melon Fried Eggs
Ingredients: Bitter melon 1 piece; Eggs 3; Garlic 2 cloves; Salt to taste; White pepper powder to taste; Light soy sauce 1 teaspoon; Cooking oil appropriate amount
Steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the bitter melon, cut in half, remove the seeds, then slice thinly. Beat the eggs in a bowl, add a pinch of salt and white pepper, mix well. Slice the garlic.
2. Prepare the bitter melon: Blanch the sliced bitter melon in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain. This will reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon.
3. Fry the eggs: Heat oil in a pan, pour in the beaten egg mixture, stir-fry over medium heat until the eggs are set, then remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the bitter melon: Pour a little oil into the pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the blanched bitter melon slices, stir-fry evenly.
5. Combine and stir-fry: Add the fried eggs to the pan, stir-fry with the bitter melon. Season with salt, light soy sauce, and white pepper, stir-fry evenly.
6. Serve: Once well combined, turn off the heat, transfer the bitter melon fried eggs to a plate, and enjoy.
Tip:
(1) Blanching can effectively reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, but avoid blanching for too long to retain the crunchiness.
(2) Adding a little water while frying the eggs can make them more tender and smooth.
(3) The combination of bitter melon and eggs not only presents vibrant colors and rich flavors but also aids in heat clearing and liver nourishment.
III. Stir-fried Chinese Yam
Ingredients: Chinese yam 300g; Green pepper 1 (optional); Red pepper 1 (optional); Garlic 2 cloves; Ginger 1 small piece; Salt to taste; White pepper powder to taste; Cooking oil appropriate amount
Steps:
1. Peel the Chinese yam, slice it thinly or into cubes, soak in water for a while to prevent oxidation.
2. Remove the stems and seeds from the green and red peppers, cut into thin strips (optional) to enhance the dish’s color and flavor. Slice the garlic and julienne the ginger.
3. In a pot, blanch the sliced Chinese yam in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain. This step makes the Chinese yam easier to stir-fry while retaining its crispness.
4. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the julienned ginger and sliced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add the blanched Chinese yam to the pan, stir-fry evenly.
6. If using green and red peppers, add them to the pan and stir-fry with the Chinese yam.
7. Season with salt and white pepper, continue stir-frying evenly.
8. Stir-fry until the Chinese yam is fully cooked through and remains crisp, then turn off the heat, transfer the stir-fried Chinese yam to a plate.
Tip:
(1) It’s best to wear gloves when peeling Chinese yam to avoid skin irritation.
(2) Blanching helps remove the sliminess of Chinese yam, making the stir-frying process smoother.
(3) Avoid high heat when stir-frying Chinese yam to prevent burning or overcooking and preserve the original taste and texture.
(4) Stir-fried Chinese yam is a simple, healthy dish that is suitable for daily meals, rich in nutrients and refreshing in taste.
During the dog days, eating these dampness dispelling and heat clearing dishes can help the body eliminate excess moisture, enhance immunity, and maintain health. Winter melon barley rib soup is diuretic and heat clearing, perfect for the hot summer; bitter melon fried eggs aid in heat clearing and liver nourishment; stir-fried Chinese yam is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, beneficial for spleen and stomach health. By scientifically combining these ingredients, you can effectively detoxify during the dog days, maintain the health and comfort of your body, and lay a good foundation for the following seasons. Let these delicious dishes become part of your summer diet, enjoy the health benefits of refreshment and nourishment. #Headline First Launch Competition#
