Qian Shi is a commonly used kidney tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a neutral nature and a sweet and astringent taste. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as nocturnal emission, frequent diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, and excessive vaginal discharge. Many medicinal ingredients need to be soaked before cooking porridge to ensure they are fully cooked. So, does Qian Shi need to be soaked before cooking porridge? How long should Qian Shi be soaked before cooking porridge?
Does Qian Shi need to be soaked before cooking porridge?
Yes, it can be soaked.
Dried Qian Shi is relatively hard, and it is difficult to cook it directly into porridge. Therefore, it is recommended to soak dried Qian Shi before cooking porridge. The cooked dried Qian Shi has a better taste and is easier to digest. After soaking, blanch the soaked Qian Shi with boiling water, and then continue cooking the porridge. The cooking time for the porridge may be longer, so be patient and wait to enjoy the delicious Qian Shi porridge.
Fresh Qian Shi does not need to be soaked. Most of these Qian Shi are stored frozen. After thawing, they just need to be washed with clean water.
How long should Qian Shi be soaked before cooking porridge?
It depends on the texture of Qian Shi.
Generally speaking, the older the dried Qian Shi, the longer it needs to be soaked, usually overnight. It is important to store the soaked dried Qian Shi properly to prevent deterioration or quality loss due to external factors. For relatively tender dried Qian Shi, soaking for half an hour to an hour in advance is sufficient.
How much Qian Shi should be used for cooking porridge?
8~12 grams.
Qian Shi contains nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and amino acids, and has good health benefits. It has the effects of invigorating the spleen, eliminating dampness, nourishing the kidneys, and consolidating essence. It can be used to treat symptoms such as nocturnal emission, turbid discharge, diarrhea, and soreness in the waist and knees. The commonly used amount of Qian Shi for cooking porridge is 8~12 grams, but the dosage can be adjusted according to individual conditions.
What can Qian Shi be cooked with to make porridge?
Qian Shi Glutinous Rice Porridge
Ingredients:
1 cup of glutinous rice, 75 grams of Qian Shi, 8 cups of water, 75 grams of rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash the glutinous rice and soak it in 8 cups of water for 20 minutes.
2. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
3. Wash the Qian Shi and soak it until soft, then add it to the porridge and cook until it is soft.
4. Add rock sugar, bring it to a boil, stir well, and serve.
Qian Shi Jinyin Porridge
Ingredients:
50 grams of raw Qian Shi, 20 grams of Jinyinzi, 100 grams of polished rice.
Instructions:
1. Wash the Qian Shi and soak it for 1 hour.
2. Add Qian Shi, Jinyinzi, and polished rice to a pot, add water, and simmer over low heat until the porridge is ready to eat.
Qian Shi Yam Porridge
Ingredients:
1 yam (about 300 grams), 50 grams of coix seed, 40 grams of Qian Shi, 100 grams of rice.
Instructions:
1. Wash the coix seed and Qian Shi, soak them in water for 2 hours.
2. Wash the rice and soak it in water for half an hour.
3. Put the soaked coix seed and Qian Shi in a pot, pour in 1500ml of water.
4. After boiling over high heat, reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes, then add the rice and continue simmering for 20 minutes.
5. Put on rubber gloves, peel the yam and cut it into 3mm thick slices, add it to the pot, and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Who should avoid eating Qian Shi porridge?
1. People with constipation.
Qian Shi has astringent properties and is suitable for people with spleen deficiency and diarrhea. Eating it may worsen symptoms in people with constipation.
2. Postpartum women.
Qian Shi has astringent properties, and it is not conducive to postpartum lochia discharge.
3. People with bloating in the abdomen.
Qian Shi contains a lot of starch, which is not easy to digest. Eating it may cause discomfort in people with bloating in the abdomen.
