Warmth in the Heart, Strength in the Body Nourishing Soup Recipes for the Cold of Winter Solstice
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, we welcome the arrival of the Winter Solstice, also known as the Li Dong, or Start of Winter. This is a time when nature itself slows down, and we too are reminded to take a moment to slow down and replenish our bodies with warmth and nourishment. In this spirit, we offer you a collection of warming soup recipes that will not only warm your heart but also fortify your body against the cold.
Li Dong: The Time for Rejuvenation
The ancient Chinese philosophy holds that the Winter Solstice is the perfect time to replenish and nourish the body, preparing it for the coming year. This is when the body's energy, or Qi, is at its lowest, making it an ideal time to boost it with healthy foods and warming herbs. Soup, with its slow-cooked, soothing properties, is the perfect choice to nourish the body and soul.
Recipe 1: Warming Chicken and Carrot Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken pieces, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is well coated in spices.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the carrots, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Recipe 2: healing Mushroom and Tofu Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 1 cup of button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (slurry)
- Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown.
2. Add the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the tofu cubes, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until the soup thickens.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions.
Recipe 3: Immune-Boosting Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 whole free-range chicken legs, cleaned and skin on
- 1 cup of baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup of sliced celery
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 cup of sliced onions
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken legs, onions, celery, carrots, thyme, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
4. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
As we embrace the cold of the Winter Solstice, let these warming soups be a symbol of comfort and nourishment. By taking the time to prepare and enjoy these soul-soothing dishes, we honor the ancient wisdom of the seasons and provide our bodies with the strength and vitality they need to thrive through the coming year.
