Chestnuts are a common food in the north during winter, and we should also know that they are very helpful for our winter health preservation. Incorporating chestnuts into our diet therapy is especially effective, as it can achieve a good kidney-tonifying effect. Let's talk about some winter chestnut recipes below.
1. Chestnut Congee
Ingredients: 20g chestnuts, 50g japonica rice.
Method: Shell the chestnuts, pound them into pieces, and cook them with japonica rice and water to make congee.
Effects: Nourishes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the muscles.
2. Braised Chicken Wings with Chestnuts
Ingredients: Chicken wings, chestnuts
Method: Wash the raw chestnuts and make a cross-shaped cut on the top. Boil them in a pot of water. After boiling, peel off the outer skin, trying to keep the fruit flesh as intact as possible. Cut off any black parts you find inside. Follow the method for braised chicken wings, braising the chestnuts and chicken together. The difference is to use less sugar and more water, so that it can be simmered for a longer time, allowing the flavor of the chestnuts to fully infuse the dish.
Effects: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the stomach and intestines, nourishes the blood and regulates menstruation.
3. Microwave Oven Sugar-Fried Chestnuts
Ingredients: Chestnuts, sugar
Method: Wash the chestnuts and place them in a small, strainer-like colander that drains well to remove excess moisture. Choose a small microwave-safe container with a lid, as the chestnuts may explode, so the lid must be secured tightly. Pour the chestnuts into the container without the lid, and microwave on high power for 2 minutes to remove moisture from the surface. After 2 minutes, remove, add the lid (make sure it's on tight), and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Then, remove and shake the container up and down to ensure even heating. Return it to the microwave and cook on high for another 3 minutes. When the time is up, remove and open the lid. Add sugar and mix well with chopsticks. Cover again and microwave on high for 2 minutes. When done, it's ready to eat. Except for the skin not being as crispy as traditional sugar-fried chestnuts, everything else is very similar.
The three methods above are common ways to eat chestnuts in winter. These methods help us absorb the nutrients from chestnuts well, thus effectively achieving the kidney-tonifying effect.