Winter recipes which help boost your Kidney Qi


Here are some winter recipes which help boost your Kidney Qi and keep you and your Yang energy going despite the chill outside.  Both the Roasted Root Vegetable and Curried Lamb and Lentil recipes are made with whole food ingredients only that are chalked full of all the good Qi, vitamins, minerals and enzymes you could need to maintain optimal health.
We recommend using all organic ingredients as much as possible if it’s in your budget

  

Roasted Root Vegetables

 

Ingredients (Mix and match – It’s up to you what to include)
  • Squash (seeded and peeled)
  • Parsnips – Squash and parsnips are warm and thermal in nature
  • Sweet and golden potatoes – Potatoes are sweet in nature and build yin fluid capabilities of the kidneys!
  • Beets (scrubbed and tops trimmed) – Strengthens the heart overall and purifies the blood
  • 1 medium onion – Influences the lungs and assists to expel cold, promote warmth and resolve blood stagnations
  • 1 head garlic, cloves separated, and peeled – garlic helps to inhibit colds and prevent viruses
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for coating and drizzling
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  • Preheat to 425 degrees F.
  • Cut all the vegetables into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Cut the onions into chunky pieces. Toss all the vegetables with the garlic cloves, olive oil and salt to taste in large bowl.
  • Place the vegetable mixture into a large, deep baking pan spreading them out to assure they don’t over steam while roasting.  Stir occasionally and roast the vegetables until tender and golden about 45 minutes to an hour.

 

Curried Lamb and Lentil Stew
 
This recipe is centered around the energetic properties of lamb, as it is warming in its nature, increases Qi, improves blood production, and treats both spleen and kidney deficiencies. The lentils boost the adrenal system and the essence “jing” of the kidney system, and the curry spice warms the dish since it is hot in nature promoting the yang and digestion.
 
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs lean lamb stew meat
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 2 cups low-salt organic beef broth
  • 3/4 cup lentils
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed organic tomatoes, keep juices
  • 3 1/2 cups chopped local or organic spinach or other greens ie kale, chard
  • 1/2 cup diced carrot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and or parsley
Directions (Two cooking options)
Option 1:
  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until hot.
  • Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes.
  • Add lamb; sauté 5 minutes or until browned.
  • Add curry, cumin, and pepper; stir well to coat. Add broth, lentils, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add greens and carrot; simmer 10 minutes or until lamb is tender.
  • Remove from heat; stir in chopped cilantro, serve and enjoy!
Option 2:
  • Throw all the above ingredients into a large crock pot and cook on low for about 8-10 hours! This is our preferred easy way of cooking to accommodate a busy schedule but still eat healthy.
*Vegetarian options include omitting the lamb and beef stock and substituting with a vegetable broth and sweet potatoes for the lamb.  Be creative and play making these winter kidney boosting recipes your very own!