Fall's Bounty Nourishing Stomach-Soothing Recipes for the Season of Harvest

As the summer sun begins to wane and the leaves start their golden descent, we welcome the arrival of autumn, or Li Qiu, in Chinese culture. This time of year is not just about the change in seasons but also a time to pay special attention to our health, particularly our digestive system. The cool, damp air of autumn can lead to stomach discomfort, so it's essential to adopt a stomach-soothing diet. Here are some nourishing and tasty recipes to help you maintain a healthy stomach during the season of harvest.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a vegetable that's rich in beta-carotene and fiber, both of which are beneficial for digestion. This soup is warm and comforting, making it perfect for the cooler autumn days.

Ingredients:

- 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 4 cups of vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot with a touch of olive oil until translucent.

2. Add the butternut squash cubes and cook for a few minutes.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.

6. Season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper to taste.

2. Oatmeal with Apple and Cinnamon

Oats are a whole grain that can help regulate bowel movements and improve gut health. This oatmeal is not only good for your stomach but also a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup rolled oats

- 1 cup of water or milk (dairy or plant-based)

- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- A pinch of salt

- Honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the oats, water or milk, apple, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.

4. Serve warm, drizzled with honey or maple syrup.

3. Chicken and Quinoa Stew

This stew is a hearty and nourishing meal that's easy on the stomach. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that's rich in protein and fiber, while chicken is a good source of lean protein that aids in digestion.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 stalks of celery, diced

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed

- 4 cups of chicken broth

- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.

3. Stir in the quinoa, chicken broth, and thyme.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa is tender, about 20-25 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Ginger and Lemon Tea

Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion, and when combined with the cleansing properties of lemon, this tea can help soothe an upset stomach and boost your immune system.

Ingredients:

- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

- 1 lemon, thinly sliced

- 4 cups of water

- Honey or agave syrup to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.

2. Add the ginger and lemon slices and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.

3. Strain the tea and serve warm, sweetened with honey or agave syrup as desired.

By incorporating these stomach-soothing recipes into your autumn diet, you can enjoy the beauty of the season while keeping your digestive health in check. Remember, the key is to eat warm, well-cooked, and easy-to-digest foods that provide the necessary nutrients without overloading your system. Happy autumn eating!