The scorching summer days continue, putting a strain on the summer organ, the “heart.”
When heat accumulates in the heart, it tends to lead to a mental state where you feel irritated, hazy, impatient, and unable to feel refreshed no matter what you do.
If such exhaustion continues, it may lead to emotional instability.
It is important to effectively cool down the body’s heat through daily meals.
Speaking of summer heat-relieving ingredients, goya (bitter melon) comes to mind.
Goya is famous as an ingredient often eaten in tropical regions such as Okinawa,
precisely because of its powerful cooling effect.
We will introduce a dish perfect for midsummer that combines goya with octopus, which is rich in taurine known for its fatigue-recovering effects,
and tofu, which also cools down the body’s heat.
Key Ingredient: Goya (Bitter Melon)
The bitter component of goya, “momordicin,” is said to lower the heat accumulated in the upper body and suppress excess heat.
It is also rich in vitamin C, which is good for recovery from fatigue and skin whitening, making it a recommended ingredient for those who tend to suffer from summer fatigue.
In Okinawa, people also drink a decoction of goya seeds and cotton as a medicinal tea.
This tea is also useful for preventing summer fatigue.
RECIPE
“Goya and Octopus Shiraae” to Suppress Summer Irritability
We want to eliminate irritability caused by the summer heat by actively eating ingredients that clear heat.
Goya and tofu are prime examples of such ingredients.
Tryptophan, which is abundant in tofu, is a precursor to serotonin, which stabilizes the mind and body, and melatonin, which promotes sleep.
It has a calming effect on the mind, so it is an ingredient you want to rely on when you are feeling very irritable.
Octopus replenishes qi and blood and helps with recovery from fatigue.
Washing it with vinegar removes the fishy smell and tightens the taste.
In summer, when you sweat a lot and tend to lose minerals, it is good to season it with a slightly stronger saltiness.
Ingredients (for 2-3 servings)
Goya (bitter melon, net weight without seeds) … 140g
Octopus … 120g
Silken tofu … 1/2 block
White roasted sesame seeds … 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce, sugar … 1 1/2 tablespoons each
Vinegar … appropriate amount
- Wrap the tofu in a thick paper towel and heat in a 600W microwave for 3 minutes to drain.
- Spread the sesame seeds in a frying pan and dry-roast for 2-3 minutes while shaking the pan. Put them in a mortar and grind until smooth while still hot.
- Thinly slice the goya (bitter melon), sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce, and rub lightly. Cut the octopus into easy-to-eat pieces, wash with a little vinegar, and discard any excess liquid.
- Add the tofu from step 1, the remaining soy sauce, and sugar to the mortar from step 2, and mix well. Add the goya and drained octopus from step 3 and mix together.
POINT
After heating the tofu in the microwave,
rewrap it in a new paper towel
to drain it properly.
This will prevent the flavor from becoming diluted and ensure a well-defined taste.
Have a try!
