ENDIVE AND TOMATO STIR FRYThe bitter essence of endive goes straight to the Heart. Try it sautéed with your favorite assortment of mushrooms, the cancer-preventing, weight-loss promoting wonder food of Asian medicine, and red plum tomatoes, which also nourish and strengthen Heart Qi. STEAMED ASPARAGUS WITH GARLICThis easy dish can substitute in any steamed vegetable, such as green beans or Chinese broccoli. Asparagus supports Kidney function while time-old, cross-culture medicinal and culinary favorites, garlic and ginger, improve digestive system functioning. BROILED EGGPLANTA weight-loss food wonder, eggplant has the remarkable ability to balance and cleanse internal Qi while improving Liver function. Broil, steam, or saute to use as a satisfying main-course substitute for grains or meat. ROASTED SWEET POTATOES AND APPLESSweet potatoes are traditionally good for healthy digestion, as their color and essence (as root vegetables) benefit the Stomach and Spleen, the organs associated with Earth. In this recipe, they are paired with apples and honey, which both support the Lung function. This is a great recipe to enjoy after the fall harvest, the season of the Lung!GARDEN FRESH SQUASH AND TOMATO SALAD WITH SESAME SOY VINAIGRETTEZucchini is beneficial for Liver health, and tomatoes help to balance the Stomach and the Heart. Sesame seeds and a dash of sesame oil round off this healthy dish with a boost of support for the Kidneys. Add a little lemon juice of vinegar to strengthen Liver function and a tad of hot sauce and spicy arugula to activate the Lung.BROCCOLI/BEET SALADMost people like broccoli florets, but here’s something to do with the often less popular stalks. Although there are a number of steps in creating this salad, they are not all that time consuming. Cooking the beets takes the longest and can be done the night before.LETTUCE SAUTÉ The essence of raw or uncooked foods is cold, which impairs healthy Stomach function. Cooked lettuce is delicious by itself or in soups. In TCM it is known to clear heat, and circulates Qi.VEGGIE AND EGG SQUARESEggs represent harmony. They contain all the information of life. By mixing eggs with common ingredients found in your refrigerator you will create a nutritious dish and the left overs are equally as good.ELLASARA’S BROCCOLI RABE STIR-FRY WITH PLUM TOMATO SAUCECombining broccoli rabe, which has a bitter taste, with plum tomatoes (all red foods support the Heart) is a win-win scenario for your Heart function. The Heart has an energetic preference for bitter foods. Broccoli Rabe is also good for the Liver. Enjoy this recipe as a stand-alone dish or serve it over rice or pasta.
