While we’re embracing the glorious weather brought by the fall, it’s almost impossible to discount the irritating autumn dryness. As the night gets longer, and air turns cooler and drier, our body becomes more susceptible to sore throat, dry cough, dehydrated skin and constipation.
Foods to combat autumn dryness
Preventing dryness is crucial during the change of season. Fortunately, there's an array of delicious seasonal ingredients that help keep your body moisturized.
- Apples
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Tofu
- Spinach
- Lotus root
- Pumpkin
- Honey
Autumn soup recipe
Eating what's in season is a way to harmonize your body with nature, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). Here we recommend two heavenly, healthy soup recipes bestowed by ingredients from the harvest season.
Classic pumpkin soup
This delicious squash is rich in vitamin A which gives way to a healthy immune system. A great source of Vitamin C and E, pumpkin is a natural booster for glowing skin during the dry season.
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
- 750g pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and chopped
- 2 chopped carrots
- 2 diced onions
- 2 litres of water
- 3 litres of chicken broth
- 250ml cooking cream
- A handful of fresh thyme
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Heat stock, pumpkin, carrots and onions. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
- Puree (1) in small batches using a blender or food processor.
- Bring (2) to a boil in a pan. Add water. Simmer for another 30 minutes on a very low heat. Stir in heavy cream.
- Garnish with thyme before serving.
Lotus root soup with pork ribs and peanuts
Lotus root lowers your body's cholesterol and blood sugar level with its rich fiber and complex carbohydrates. This crunchy root vegetable can also improve your bowel movements, especially helpful in autumn as constipation tends to become more frequent.
Ingredients:
Serves: 4
- 450g pork ribs
- 4 small dried figs
- 600g lotus root, peeled and sliced
- 150g peanuts
- 2 litres of water
Steps:
- Soak peanuts in boiling water to remove the skin.
- Rub pork ribs with salt. Blanch with hot water and a few pieces of ginger for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Set the rib aside.
- Toss all ingredients into the pot.
- Bring to Boil. Simmer for 1.5 hours on the lowest heat.
- Season with salt if necessary. Serve warm.
Try these easy soup recipes at home and Bon Appétit!
Sources:
- Webber Naturals - Chinese Medicine Foods for Fall & Winter
- All Recipe -Reviews for Pumpkin Soup
- BBC Good Food - The health benefits of pumpkin
- Insymmetry.com - Autumn, the season of dryness, according to traditional chinese medicine
- Souperdiaries - Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs
- Healthline.com - 8 Uses for Lotus
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