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Chinese medical traditions →

Pigeon stew with Chinese yam and goji

One of the classic strengthening dishes of Chinese herbal cooking.

Traditional use

Time
Preparation 10 min, cooking 2 h 5 min
Makes
4 people
Chinese yam (shan yao)

Goji is regarded as a powerful tonic and sweet flavouring, Chinese yam as support for hormones and immunity. In China pigeon is one of the most strengthening kinds of meat.

Ingredients

  • 4 pigeons, cleaned and quartered
  • 1.25 litres water
  • 15 g goji, rinsed
  • 20 slices Chinese yam, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste

Step by step

  1. Blanch the pigeon pieces very briefly in boiling water and set aside.
  2. Bring the water, goji and yam to the boil.
  3. Add the pigeon and wine and bring back to the boil.
  4. Stew gently covered for 2 hours and season with salt.

Tips

  • Can also be made with a small free-range chicken.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 635

    Chinese yam (shan yao)

    Dioscorea polystachya (syn. D. opposita)

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens spleen, stomach and lungs, helps regulate the hormone system in women and is said to lower blood sugar.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 637

    Goji (Chinese wolfberry)

    Lycium barbarum, L. chinense

    Traditionally attributed effects: sweet tonic that according to tradition strengthens the yang energy, strength and stamina and supports the hormone system.

    Chinese medical traditions+1

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.