Dangshen is a precious medicinal herb that tonifies Qi. It has a neutral nature and sweet taste, and is effective in tonifying the middle, benefiting Qi, harmonizing the stomach, generating body fluids, resolving phlegm, and stopping cough. It is suitable for symptoms such as spleen deficiency, poor appetite, weakness in the limbs, palpitations, and shortness of breath. What herbs can be paired with Dangshen?
Danggui Dangshen Wujitang (Tangkuei Dangshen Black Chicken Soup)
Danggui Dangshen Wujitang is a soup that is very suitable for daily conditioning for those with insufficient Qi and blood, dull complexion, weakness in the limbs, easy fatigue, and dizziness, especially for women during pre- and post-menstrual periods.
Ingredients:
Tangkuei 20g, Dangshen 15g, Lotus Seeds 30g, Lily Bulbs 20g, Astragalus 10g, Coix Seed 50g, Red Dates 20g, Goji Berries 20g, Half a Black Chicken.
Instructions:
1. Prepare all the ingredients.
2. Soak all the ingredients for 20 minutes.
3. Put the black chicken into the pot and boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove, wash, and set aside.
4. Put all the ingredients and the black chicken into the pot, add 2L of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add salt to taste 15 minutes before boiling.
Dangshen Maidong Wuweizi Shourou Tang (Dangshen Ophiopogon Schisandra Lean Pork Soup)
Dangshen, Maidong, and Wuweizi are commonly paired Chinese herbs that can increase fluid, nourish the stomach, produce body fluids, and nourish the lungs. When combined with lean pork, it is especially suitable for those with shortness of breath and lack of energy due to hot weather, staying up late, poor appetite, or excessive thirst in diabetes.
Ingredients:
Wuweizi 8g, Ginger 1 slice, Maidong 15g, Dangshen 20g, Lean Pork 200g, Water 6 bowls.
Instructions:
1. Wash the Dangshen, Maidong, and Wuweizi.
2. Wash the lean pork and cut it into large pieces, blanch in boiling water and remove.
3. Boil water in a pot and pour it into a stewing pot. Add all the ingredients and simmer over water for one and a half hours. Season with salt before serving.
Gouqi Shenqin Xiaomi Zhou (Goji Berry Dangshen Scrophularia millet porridge)
Millet has the effects of invigorating the spleen and stomach, nourishing yin and blood, and millet porridge is rich in nutrition, known as "Dai Shen Tang". Dangshen has the functions of tonifying the middle and benefiting Qi, and Astragalus has the functions of nourishing the spleen and stomach and calming the mind. These herbs have wide-ranging effects and can be used as auxiliary ingredients regardless of the season.
Ingredients:
Gouqi Berry 5g, Dangshen 10g, Scrophularia 5g, Millet 50g, Cold Water 250g.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Gouqi Berry 5g, Dangshen 10g, Scrophularia 5g.
2. Put the prepared Gouqi Berry, Dangshen, and Scrophularia in a pot.
3. Add cold water to cover the surface of the herbs and soak for 10 minutes.
4. Cook over medium heat until the herbal aroma is released and the water turns pale yellow.
5. Prepare millet 50g.
6. Put the prepared millet into the herbal water.
7. Stir the millet in one direction with a spoon a few times.
8. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes until the porridge becomes thick.
9. When the millet blossoms, the porridge is ready.
Dangshen Braised Lamb
Dangshen Braised Lamb is a clear and savory dish with a light color and rich aroma. The main ingredient is tender and juicy, but still maintains its shape. Braising lamb with Dangshen is a high-quality dish that can treat symptoms such as spleen deficiency, weakness, poor appetite, and thirst when consumed regularly.
Ingredients:
Lamb (lean and fat) 1000g, Lotus Root 50g, Dangshen 5g, Ginger 25g, Star Anise 10g, Salt 10g, Scallion 10g, Cooking Wine 50g.
Instructions:
1. Cut the lamb into walnut-sized pieces, wash with water, and put it in a clay pot after blanching with boiling water. Add water (1500ml), ginger slices, scallion segments, salt, cooking wine, Dangshen, and star anise to the pot and bring to a boil. Seal the pot and simmer over low heat for 4 hours until the sauce is thick and the meat is tender. Add lotus root and continue simmering until cooked. Remove the scallion, ginger, and star anise before serving.
2. When serving, place the clay pot on the table. In winter, a charcoal stove can be placed under the clay pot to keep the dish boiling hot.
Gui Shen Shanshi (Tangkuei Dangshen Eel)
Gui Shen Shanshi is suitable for those with Qi and blood deficiency, chronic illness, weakness, fatigue, and pale complexion.
Ingredients:
Eel 500g, Tangkuei 15g, Dangshen 15g, Scallion 5g, Ginger 5g, Yellow Wine 30g, Soy Sauce 30g, White Sugar 10g, Monosodium Glutamate 1g.
Instructions:
1. Put Tangkuei and Dangshen in a small bowl, add 100ml of water, and steam over water for about 20 minutes.
2. Heat the pan over high heat, add a little oil, then add scallion and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant, then add the eel and stir-fry. Add yellow wine, soy sauce, and sugar, and stir-fry evenly. Then add the steamed Tangkuei and Dangshen, add soup, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Before serving, add a little MSG, thicken with water starch, and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle some pepper powder on top after plating.
