"Replenish Well in Early Dog Days, Suffer Less in Midsummer" – 3 Yang-Nourishing Dishes to Eat During Dog Days for a Comfortable Summer

"The coldest days are in Sanjiu, the hottest in Sanfu" – this saying couldn’t be more accurate! The early Dog Days have arrived with scorching heat, the air thick with the scent of sun-baked earth. Once this initial phase passes, the middle and final Dog Days follow in quick succession, marking a full 40-day "sauna mode" that tests everyone’s endurance. During this time, the body is most prone to weakness: yang energy dissipates quickly, while dampness lingers stubbornly, leaving one feeling heavy, lethargic, and with little appetite. As the old saying goes, "Replenish well in early Dog Days, and you won’t suffer in the heat." Eating the right yang-nourishing dishes during this period quietly builds a protective barrier against the sweltering summer. Today, we bring you three steaming-hot, yang-boosting delicacies!

First Dish: Stir-Fried Leeks, Onions, and Eggs

Method:

1. Cut leeks into inch-long sections and slice onions into thin strips. Beat eggs with a pinch of salt and a splash of cooking wine.

2. Heat oil in a wok (a bit more than usual), pour in the egg mixture, and scramble into large, tender curds. Set aside.

3. Using the remaining oil, stir-fry the onion strips over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.

4. Add the leeks and stir-fry quickly until they turn bright green and slightly soft.

5. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok, season with salt and a dash of light soy sauce for umami, toss everything together over high heat, and serve immediately!

Leeks are hailed as the "yang-reviving herb," onions are pungent and warming, aiding yang circulation, and eggs replenish qi and vitality. These three simple, home-style ingredients come together in a sizzling stir-fry, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The dish’s vibrant yellow-and-green colors make it visually appealing, while the crisp-tender texture and savory taste awaken the appetite—a "little sun" for sluggish summer days.

Second Dish: Pork Belly and Lotus Seed Soup

Method:

1. Clean fresh pork belly thoroughly by scrubbing with flour and white vinegar, then blanch in cold water with ginger slices and cooking wine. Drain and cut into strips.

2. Soak lotus seeds in warm water until softened (removing the bitter core is optional). Cut carrots and Chinese yam into chunks, and rinse red dates.

3. In a clay pot, add water, pork belly strips, lotus seeds, and a few ginger slices. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour.

4. Add carrot chunks and red dates, continuing to simmer for another 20 minutes.

5. Finally, add the yam chunks and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender. Season with salt. Skim off excess oil before serving for a cleaner taste.

Pork belly nourishes deficiencies and strengthens the spleen and stomach; lotus seeds calm the heart and dispel dampness; while yam, red dates, and carrots gently boost qi. These ingredients meld together in a slow-cooked broth that’s clear yet rich, warming the stomach and heart with every sip. Perfect for those feeling fatigued or suffering from weak digestion during the Dog Days.

Third Dish: Fennel and Crumbled Tofu Salad

Method:

1. Mash soft tofu with a spoon or wrap it in cheesecloth to remove excess water, leaving a coarse texture.

2. Wash fresh fennel fronds, using only the tender leaves and thin stems, and chop finely.

3. Lightly toast peanuts, let them cool, then crush them in a bag with a rolling pin (keeping some texture).

4. Combine tofu, fennel, and crushed peanuts in a large bowl.

5. Season with salt, a pinch of sugar, and a few drops of sesame oil (or Sichuan pepper oil for extra flavor). Add chili rings if desired.

Fennel is warming and dispels cold, its unique aroma stimulating the appetite. Tofu fortifies qi and harmonizes digestion, while peanuts add crunch and fragrance. This chilled salad is refreshing and visually cooling, with its mix of green, white, and golden hues. The creamy tofu, crispy peanuts, and aromatic fennel create a delightful contrast—a rare balance of coolness and warmth for the summer table.

As the Dog Days begin, bring these "three treasures" to your table and let the invigorating power of these dishes help you face the summer’s heat with ease. "Replenishing well" doesn’t mean indulging in extravagant feasts, but rather embracing the wisdom of seasonal eating in everyday meals. Eating comfortably and nutritiously is the surest way to stay grounded through the long, hot days. Though the Dog Days may stretch on, a well-nourished life can still be lived with ease and flavor.

(Additional notes on summer wellness: Beyond these dishes, staying hydrated, wearing breathable fabrics, and avoiding excessive sun exposure are key to thriving in the heat. Traditional Chinese medicine also recommends light exercise like tai chi or walking in the early morning or evening to maintain circulation without overheating. Herbal teas such as chrysanthemum or honeysuckle can help clear internal heat, while foods like watermelon and cucumber naturally cool the body. By combining these dietary and lifestyle practices, you can navigate the Dog Days with resilience and vitality.)