Medicated cuisine, in simple terms.
Is when medicines and foods are combined according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, and scientifically cooked to create delicious dishes, meaning:
Many foods are both food and medicine!
Hmm!
In short.
It's about medicine and food sharing the same origin, and medicine and food sharing the same roots.
Therefore, compared to other cuisines, medicated cuisine should be considered the most difficult to learn.
It requires the chef to be proficient in traditional Chinese medicine theory, especially familiar with the effects of various medicinal materials, and to understand how to utilize the combination of medicines and foods.
Furthermore, medicated cuisine emphasizes differential dietary therapy, which means it should vary from person to person, and be adjusted according to the eater's symptoms, for example:
The Yin-Yang theory of Chinese cuisine.
Under normal human conditions, Yin and Yang are in a delicate balance.
And when the human body declines and the body is unbalanced, different symptoms of illness will appear.
This requires that during conditioning, the medicated cuisine master must select the appropriate medicated diet according to the condition of Yin and Yang decline, thereby restoring the body's Yin and Yang balance.
…
As early as ancient times.
The process of people transitioning from eating raw food to cooked food can be considered the development of medicated cuisine.
According to "The Rites of Zhou," there were food physicians in the Zhou Dynasty who were mainly responsible for adjusting the flavors, temperatures, and quantities of "six foods, six drinks, six meals, a hundred delicacies, and a hundred sauces" for the Son of Heaven.
Even at that time, in order to protect the health of court officials and prepare suitable diets, food officials were specially established.
As Erina's most loyal subordinate, Hisako actually has another identity that few people know about.
She comes from a family specializing in medicated cuisine, and her greatest skill is:
Medicated cuisine!
At this moment, in a spacious and bright kitchen.
Hisako Arato, according to the ancient prescription's mentioned weight of three qian, which is 15 grams each, proportioned the four required Chinese medicinal herbs: Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong, Prepared Rehmannia, and White Peony Root.
She washed the four medicinal herbs thoroughly and soaked them in a clay pot for 15 minutes.
Then, the water level in the clay pot exceeded the herbs by 3 centimeters.
She brought the Chinese medicine to a boil over high heat, stirring the herbs with chopsticks to ensure even heating.
After the herbs boiled, she then reduced the heat to low and simmered for 10 minutes.
She extracted the medicine three times. For the first extraction, she poured out the decoction, remembering not to pour out all of it, leaving a little medicine in the clay pot.
After pouring out the medicine, she added clear water and brought it to a boil again.
The second and third extractions followed the same method.
Finally, she blanched the lamb in boiling water to remove blood foam and gamey odor.
Then, she placed the blanched lamb and ginger together in a pot, brought the soup to a boil over high heat, skimmed off the foam, and then reduced to low heat to simmer slowly.
…
The so-called Siwu Decoction.
Originating from "Jufang," it is an important formula for regulating blood-related diseases, composed of four Chinese medicinal herbs:
Angelica sinensis.
Chuanxiong.
White Peony Root.
Prepared Rehmannia.
The original formula was to be made into a powder and then decocted, and the formula required Prepared Rehmannia that had been steamed and sun-dried nine times.
If used to enhance the blood-tonifying effect, then the amounts of Angelica sinensis and Prepared Rehmannia can be slightly more than 15 grams, followed by White Peony Root, and Chuanxiong the least.
And now, the medicated cuisine Hisako is making is taken from the "Siwu Drink" in "Shengji Zonglu."
Then, on this basis, she added lamb and ginger. The characteristic of this medicated cuisine is nourishing Yin and benefiting the kidneys, promoting blood circulation and unblocking channels, and moisturizing the skin to improve complexion.
Women who regularly consume this soup will find it beneficial for skin health and can also treat facial dark spots and freckles.
…
As time passed.
The soup in the pot gradually became rich and thick, and the lamb became increasingly tender and flavorful.
At this moment, Hisako gently pricked the lamb with chopsticks to check its doneness.
And when the lamb could be easily pierced, it meant that the dish was nearing completion.
In the final stage, she added an appropriate amount of salt for seasoning.
The addition of salt not only enhances the taste layers of the soup but also further boosts its nutritional value.
Finally, after a little more time, this Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup was successfully completed.
Pouring the lamb and soup from the pot into a large bowl, and sprinkling some chopped green onions as garnish, a Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup, excellent in color, aroma, and taste, was fully presented before her eyes.
…
"Those with insufficient Qi are nourished by flavor."
"Angelica sinensis nourishes blood and moves stagnant blood, ginger disperses cold and moves stagnant Qi, and the main ingredient, lamb, with its rich flavor and warm Qi, tonifies Qi and generates blood, allowing Qi to warm."
"Theoretically, this pot of Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup should be fine."
"Forget it, instead of analyzing, it's more practical to taste it myself."
Looking at the freshly prepared Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup before her, Hisako couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Then, she tasted a little herself, only to feel that every mouthful of soup contained the nourishing essence of the medicinal herbs, and the aroma of the lamb was rich and profound, as if it could penetrate the soul.
The lamb itself was tender and flavorful, with a delicate texture.
When combined with the four medicinal herbs, it brought an even more unique taste experience.
"It seems... it might actually work!"
Swallowing, Hisako's eyes showed excitement, and she couldn't help but take another bite.
…
As the main ingredient of the Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup, the lamb.
Its texture was naturally crucial. After careful stewing, the lamb had already become tender and delicious.
With just a light bite, one could instantly feel the delicate meat and unique aroma.
At the same time, within this, the fresh aroma of the four medicinal herbs, like a cool breeze, gently swept across her tongue.
Suddenly, it felt as if an electric current entered her body, producing a warm and comfortable sensation, making her whole body tingly and numb. Even her muscles seemed to be injected with new vitality, and every nerve was joyfully pulsating.
Hisako was somewhat disbelieving. She wanted to break free from this wonderful feeling, but found herself unable to move.
"Oh no, I... I can't hold on much longer!"
Biting her silver teeth tightly, Hisako's bright eyes were covered with a layer of mist.
She had underestimated the efficacy of this Four-Ingredient Lamb Soup. Besides making her spirit completely refreshed,
It could even make her whole body feel hot and her heart beat faster.
…
"Hisako, you're still not asleep so late?"
Nakiri Erina's voice suddenly sounded behind her.
Hisako could only turn her head with difficulty to look. She wanted to explain but found she couldn't speak.
Seeing her motionless, Erina felt bewildered. Then she noticed Hisako's flushed face and asked with concern: "Why is your face so red? Do you have a cold or fever?"
After speaking, she extended her jade hand and placed it on Hisako's smooth forehead.
Hisako's heart skipped a beat, and finally, with a loud moan, she collapsed limply into Erina's arms, her delicate body trembling incessantly.
"Hoo… hoohoohoo."
"My Lady, I can't take it anymore, I… I really can't!"
Erina: (⊙o⊙)
Huh? What in the world is going on?
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