Soup Name: (Confinement) Black Bean, Rice and Ginger Water – sometimes called Teas
Traditional Chinese Name: 黑豆姜水 (Hēi dòu jiāng shuǐ)
Introduction:
This is a traditional confinement drink that is said to help reduce “wind” in the body and “warm” it up to help with the healing process after giving birth. These are common ingredients found in various confinement soups, teas and recipes (especially ginger). Some people make a large batch of the black bean and ginger mixture and steep it like teas for drinking everyday throughout their confinement. For more information on what confinement is and the Chinese ingredients associated with confinement, please see our Confinement Soups page.
Ingredients:
Prep: 1 teaspoon of oil 2 tablespoons of ginger juice, pulp optional 1 cup of black beans, rinsed 1 cup of white rice, rinsed 1/2 cup of water, to cook rice
Drink/Tea: 1 cup of boiling hot water
How do I prepare it
In a frying pan, heat up oil on medium heat.
When oil is hot, add black beans, white rice and ginger juice and cook for 2 minutes, constantly stirring
Add 1/2 cup of water and continue to stir and mixture until all the water evaporates. Be sure to adjust the heat accordingly to prevent burning.
Once mixture is dry and golden brown (see picture below) and cooked, set aside and cool.
In a cup, scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and add hot water to it. Steep for 10 minutes and drink hot.
Any benefits?
Effective drink in removing “wind” from the body
Helps warm the body
Assists in helping those in confinement get lots of fluid into the body and to help flush the system
Also helps to improve water levels in the body (especially for those mothers who are breastfeeding)
Any precautions?
The “heatiness” of this drink may be too much for some people (especially those with naturally “colder” bodies), so start slow with the ginger if you’re uncertain
The more ginger you add, the spicier this drink gets. It is far subtler if you use just the ginger juice.
One of the most staple foods in the world can definitely be used in soups. You’d be surprised how many different ways you can use rice in soups and stews and the very popular Chinese congee. This is a definite ingredient to have at home at all times. It’s my comfort food!
What is this?
Seed of the rice plant that is most important consumable grain source in the world
Most commonly consumed in Asia, Middle East, Latin America and India
Comes usually in a form of brown rice (with the husk) or white rice and can be ground into rice flour for usage in cakes, noodles, drinks or other uses
There are over thousands of rice varieties in the world
How do I prepare it?
Rinse well in warm water before usage
Some rice may require soaking ahead of time
Where can I buy this?
Most supermarkets will carry rice
What is the cost?
Rice type, production, and breed will vary the price of rice greatly
Any benefits?
A good (but not complete) source of protein
Excellent source of energy and carbohydrates
Easy to cook and there are a variety of ways to cook and prepare rice
A readily available ingredient
Any precautions?
The protein of rice isn’t sufficient as a diet and should be combined with nuts, meats and other protein supplements to ensure a balanced diet
Additional Information
White rice can keep longer than brown rice
White rice can kept in a dry, sealed container for up to 6 months
