January Tip #2 – A Recipe to Enjoy this Winter

Wed, Jan 11, 2017

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli.

As you might have guessed, winter is a good time for warm and hearty foods.  For many reasons, Traditional Chinese cooking suggests foods like soups, stews, and congee (rice porridge) this time of year.  One reason is that they keep you warm.  Another, is that they’re easy to digest.  Lastly, choosing appropriate ingredients, we maximize the medicinal and nutritional benefits of these foods.

If you look at traditional foods from any culture, you will find similarities to the traditional foods of China.  The reason for this, is that all traditional foods are based on the geography and climate where they originated.  From a holistic point of view, this is the best foundation for your diet.  It should then not be too surprising, that many TCM foods suggested for winter, can be found in this delicious Italian soup. 

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots, diced 
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 
• 1 Tablespoons olive oil 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 6 cups of veggie broth or water 
• 2 1/2 cups diced butternut squash 
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced first into rounds, then quarters 
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes 
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can of white kidney beans, drain and rinsed 
• 2 bay leaves 
• 1 teaspoon mushroom powder 
• salt and pepper to taste 

Preparation

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté one minute longer. 
• Stir in veggie broth, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, spices and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. 
• Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer until veggies are tender, about 15 minutes. 
• Stir in the beans and cook about 5-6 minutes longer. 
• Remove bay leaves, serve warm.

Enjoy!!!

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Caring For Cancer

Come join us in this beautiful support group and connect with others who have been or are going through treatment. We will be providing a group meditation and mini acupuncture sessions. This event is free and open to the public. Caring for Cancer meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm.  Please call to reserve a seat as spaces are limited. 

631-601-6491

In good health,

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Health and Wellness