Summer’s sweltering temperatures can wreak havoc on one’s desire to cook to say nothing of the effect of extreme heat on our poor Qi. This recipe remedies many heat related conditions, entails little more than boiling water and provides the nourishment needed to set things right as rain – should we be so lucky.
Beets, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are regarded as a wonder food and there are few people who would not benefit from eating this gorgeous red vegetable with some regularity. Beets are neutral in temperature and sweet in flavor and target the heart and liver. As such they nourish the blood, calm the mind and spirit, improve the circulation and promote the smooth flow of Qi. Brown rice, like so many healthful grains is the root of life. The citrus-based vinaigrette works a bit of magic too. Orange juice and vinegar clear excess heat. Sesame oil is considered “god’s gift” in both Ayurvedic and TCM and miso promotes health and longevity. All of this is no doubt too much to think about on such a hot day but good to keep in mind.
Beets with Orange Sesame Vinaigrette and Brown Rice
Serves 4
6 large beets or 10 small beets, scrubbed
1 cup brown rice
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
3 tablespoons white miso
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
6 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Sea salt and freshly grated pepper to taste
Fill a large saucepan with enough water to cover beets by several inches. Set saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until beets are fork tender, about 45 minutes – 1 hour depending on size of beets. Remove from heat and drain. Peel beets when cool enough to handle. Cook rice according to package instructions or preferred method.
Mix together grated carrot, miso and sesame oil. Whisk in rice vinegar and orange juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Slice beets into bite-sized pieces and serve over rice with a healthy dose of dressing.
Frances Boswell is a licensed acupuncturist at her practice, Qi Sera Sera Acupuncture, in New York City. She focuses on a lesser-known branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which identifies poor diet as a common cause of disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine understands that the importance of food goes beyond ingredients' vitamins, mineral, nutrient and caloric content—food has its own energetic and spiritual role in our health. Frances' aim is to teach this ancient wisdom, apply it to everyday cooking, and work with patients to modify their diets, in addition to acupuncture, to help them live, eat, and be well. Contact Frances here.
From: Rick | 7/28/11 at 5:33 pm
Hi babe,
This looks like a good recipe too. Beets, brown or wild rice & fresh juiced oranges.
( I can juice the oranges if you want). Or- remember that New Zeland place we went to in New York? That was may favorite meal with the sautéed spinach, beets, and mashed potoatoes. That's another idea too.