As the weather gradually cools, hearty stews once again become a favorite at the dining table. The "protagonists" of these stews are mainly pork, beef, mutton, chicken, duck, and fish, while the "supporting characters" are various vegetables. So, which "protagonist" and "supporting character" are the best match for each other?
1. Pork with Onions
Onions can promote fat metabolism, reduce blood viscosity, and mitigate the "side effects" of pork's high fat content. Additionally, stewing pork with winter melon, lily, and other ingredients that have a moisturizing effect is also a good choice.
Pork Stew with Onions and Eggplant
2. Chicken with Chestnuts
Chicken is known for nourishing blood and restoring vitality, while chestnuts focus on strengthening the spleen. This combination is more beneficial for the absorption of chicken's nutrients and enhances blood production.
Chicken Stew with Potatoes and Chestnuts
3. Mutton with Ginger
Mutton nourishes the blood and warms the body, while ginger has effects such as relieving pain and dispelling wind and dampness. When paired together, ginger not only removes the gamey smell but also helps mutton to warm the body and dispel cold.
Mutton Stew
4. Beef with Potatoes
Beef is highly nutritious and helps strengthen the spleen and stomach. However, its coarse fibers can sometimes irritate the stomach lining. When cooked with potatoes, not only is the taste improved, but it also helps protect the stomach lining.
Beef and Potato Stew
5. Fish with Tofu
Fish is rich in methionine but low in phenylalanine, while tofu is the exact opposite. When eaten together, they can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. Tofu contains a good amount of calcium, and with the help of the vitamin D in fish, the body's absorption rate of calcium is increased, making it very suitable for the elderly and pregnant women.
Fish-Stuffed Tofu
6. Duck with Chinese Yam
Duck can replenish the body's fluids, nourish yin, and clear heat to relieve coughs. Chinese yam has an even stronger effect of nourishing yin. When eaten with duck, it can eliminate greasiness and provide a better effect of nourishing the lungs.
Duck and Chinese Yam Porridge