Recipes for the Kidneys

The main role of the kidneys is to maintain the fluid balance in the body. TCM views the kidneys as the root of all organ functions. It governs growth, reproduction, brain activities and the strength of the bones and marrow.

The following recipes for the kidneys tend to be warm in properties and promote fluid circulation.

Note: All recipes serve 2

	Steamed Soybean Slices with Walnut
	Ingredients: American Ginseng 10g Red Dates 50g (without pits) Walnut 30g Cuscuta Seeds 10g (sachet wrapped) Soybean Slices(Dougen) 6 pieces (sliced into bite size pieces) Shiitake Mushrooms 5 whole pieces (sliced thinly) Gingko Nuts 10 pieces (shelled and skin removed) Fresh Ginger Slices 1 tablespoon White Pepper powder A little Salt A little Sugar A little Roasted Sesame Oil 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce 1 teaspoon Aluminum Foil 1 piece Instructions: 1. Put all the herbal ingredients in a bowl with hot water and steam them for at least 20 minutes. The ingredients are ready when it has cool down. 2. Mix the cooled ingredients with the soybean slices, mushrooms, gingko nuts and wrap them up with the aluminum sheet and steam for 1 hour. 3. Place all the cooked ingredients into a bowl and add the seasoning- pepper, salt, sugar, sesame oil and soy sauce. 4. Top it with the fresh ginger and serve. Comments: 1. Walnut and Cuscuta Seeds strengthen the bones and relieve lower backache. American Ginseng and Red Dates nourish the Blood andQi (vital energy). This is an excellent recipe to take during pregnancy. It promotes healthy fetal growth and settles restless fetus.

1. Mr Lee Jok Keng for concepts, general editing and comments on the recipes.
2. Mr Jack Shea of Shea Studio for food photography.