After the fresh green and refreshing May passes,
the humid rainy season will soon arrive.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that humidity lowers the function of the spleen (stomach),
and when it weakens, it becomes difficult to absorb nutrients from food,
resulting in a tendency to lose energy.
You become tired easily, and your mood also tends to drop.
In the world of Yakuzen (traditional Japanese medicine), it is said that “yellow ingredients” support the spleen,
and pumpkin is a prime example.
It is an ingredient you want to rely on when you feel that “the spleen’s condition has weakened.”
As we head towards midsummer, there will be more days with rising temperatures,
but it is during the rainy season that we want to take care of our stomach and intestines with warm soups.
We will introduce a “yellow spleen-caring soup” for the long summer, doyo (midsummer), and rainy season.
Key Ingredient: Pumpkin
Soft and gently sweet pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and intestines and is characterized by good digestion and absorption.
Its natural sweetness is said to relieve tension and bring a sense of security.
In terms of Yakuzen, it is known to supplement “qi” (energy) and warm the body, so it is also recommended for people with chronic fatigue who tend to get tired easily.
It is also rich in dietary fiber, making it an excellent ingredient for intestinal health.
RECIPE
“Pumpkin Soup” to Boost Energy
During the rainy season, when rain continues to fall, “dampness” tends to accumulate in the body, and it is a season when the spleen (stomach) is prone to becoming unbalanced.
As the temperature rises, you may inadvertently want to eat cold things, but it is actually a time when you should take care of your internal organs more than usual.
This pumpkin soup is perfect for such a rainy season.
Brown rice, which is said to be good for fatigue and lack of energy, is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals and is also rich in dietary fiber.
Since it is made into a smooth paste with pumpkin, it is gentle on the spleen.
Nutmeg is a spice that is said to circulate qi with its aroma and help with digestion.
The phrase “the gut is the second brain” has become widely known, but the intestinal environment also greatly affects our mental state.
Choose ingredients that are appropriate for your physical condition, and regulate your mind from your stomach and intestines.
Ingredients (for a generous amount)
Pumpkin (net weight without seeds) … 300g
New onion … 1
Cooked brown rice … 2 tablespoons
Milk (or soy milk) … 2 1/2 cups
Mirin (sweet rice wine) … 1 to 3 teaspoons
Nutmeg, salt … a pinch of each
- Wrap the pumpkin in plastic wrap and microwave at 600w for 2 minutes. Cut into 2cm wide pieces. Cut the new onion into 2cm wide pieces as well.
- Put the pumpkin and onion from step 1 and cooked brown rice in a pot. Add 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup of water (not included in the ingredients list), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. When the vegetables are soft, remove from heat and blend until smooth. Thin with the remaining 2 cups of milk and heat through. Season with salt and mirin.
- Serve in bowls and sprinkle with nutmeg. If you like, drizzle with a mixture of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of milk, and a little lemon juice (all not included in the ingredients list).
POINT
Adding cooked brown rice
gives the soup a nice thickness
and adds richness to the flavor.
If you don’t have brown rice, white rice is also OK.
Have a try!
A gentle soup that cares for your stomach will boost your energy during the rainy season.
