With the motto, “The way to the heart is through the stomach,” Ms. Izawa proposes recipes to maintain physical and mental well-being through daily meals.
She says that Yakuzen cuisine, packed with ancient wisdom of dietary therapy, has a significant effect on mental imbalances.
Spring, with its drastic temperature changes and tendency to disrupt the autonomic nervous system, is a season when both body and mind are prone to fluctuations.
It is considered the season when the “liver” among the five organs (five functions of the body) is easily burdened (see ＜Five Elements Diagram＞ below).
The liver promotes detoxification and plays a role in managing stress.
We learned a recipe for a side dish that supports such a “liver”.
If you make it in bulk when you have time, it can also serve as a “protective charm for the mind”.
Key Ingredient: Spring Cabbage
As the saying goes, “to get on one’s liver,” when the liver is burdened, one tends to get irritated and angry. Soft and fresh spring cabbage enhances liver function and promotes smooth detoxification. It is also a treasure trove of vitamins, and in the world of Yakuzen, it is known as a “vegetable stomach medicine” for its ability to regulate the digestive system. Early spring is a time when mornings and evenings are still cold, making it easy to upset the stomach. When the stomach is weak, it can lead to constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, which can drain energy. Ms. Izawa strongly recommends eating cabbage “almost every day in spring.”
RECIPE
“Spring Cabbage Namul” to Suppress Irritability
Cabbage, which supports the liver and helps prevent irritability, is a savior in spring. If you make a whole head of cabbage, you can use it as a side dish by adding it to ramen, yakisoba, or sandwiches. In traditional Chinese medicine, the intestines and skin are considered to be connected, so the hidden theme of this namul, an intestinal health recipe, is a “beautiful skin recipe.” Regulate the intestines with cabbage fiber for skin health and improve irritability. The abundant vitamin C prevents spots and freckles, and when combined with collagen, it supports skin generation.
Also, the astaxanthin contained in red sakura shrimp has antioxidant properties and improves skin texture. In addition, minerals such as calcium suppress irritability and replenish nutrients that tend to be lacking. And above all, sakura shrimp has umami, so it makes cooking delicious quickly and easily.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Spring cabbage … 1 head (600-700g)
Sakura shrimp … 1 tablespoon
Salt … 2-3 teaspoons
Grated garlic … a little
Sesame oil … 2-3 teaspoons
White roasted sesame seeds … 1 tablespoon
- Roughly chop the cabbage and thinly slice the hard core. Place in a bowl, soak in water for 3 minutes, and drain in a colander.
- Place back in the bowl, loosely cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at 600W for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. If liquid comes out, drain lightly.
- Sprinkle with salt and mix lightly, then add garlic, sesame oil, and sakura shrimp in order and mix. Serve in a dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
POINT
The core is hard but tasty,
so thinly slicing and then julienning it makes it easier to eat.
Microwaving softens it,
making it edible like the leaves.
Have a try!
Namul, which regulates the stomach and intestines and cares for the liver, is a strong ally in this season.
