Desserts
Steamed Pumpkin with Euryale Ferox and Red Dates
Steamed pumpkin with Euryale ferox and red dates is a classic Chinese health dish that strengthens the spleen, dispels dampness, tonifies qi, and calms the mind. Euryale ferox strengthens the spleen and consolidates kidney essence. Red dates tonify qi and nourish blood. Pumpkin strengthens the spleen and stomach. Steamed together, the sweet, soft pumpkin, the chewy Euryale ferox, and the rich sweetness of red dates create a warm, nourishing dish – perfect for autumn and winter as a side dish or healthy snack.
Main Ingredients
- Old pumpkin (or kabocha squash) 300g
- Dried Euryale ferox seeds (Gorgon fruit) 30g
- Red dates (pitted) 6-8 pcs
- 6-8 pcs 5g
- Rock sugar 10-15g
- Cooking oil a little
Steps
Soak dried Euryale ferox in water for 2-3 hours (or overnight in the fridge). Boil for 15-20 minutes until soft and chewy, then drain. Peel and deseed the pumpkin, cut into approx. 2cm thick chunks. Pit the red dates. Rinse the goji berries.
Lightly grease a deep plate with oil. Arrange the pumpkin chunks neatly on the plate. Sprinkle the cooked Euryale ferox and pitted red dates over the pumpkin.
Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Place the plate in the steamer and steam over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until the pumpkin is completely soft and tender.
Add goji berries and rock sugar (if using) 3 minutes before turning off the heat. Remove and drizzle with osmanthus honey (optional) before serving warm.
TCM Notes
Strengthens the spleen, dispels dampness & consolidates kidney essence (core benefit of Euryale ferox): Euryale ferox helps stop chronic diarrhea and reduce frequent urination caused by kidney weakness. Tonifies qi, nourishes blood & calms the mind (core benefit of red dates): Rich in iron and vitamin C, red dates support hemoglobin production and improve complexion and sleep. Strengthens the spleen & supports digestion (core benefit of pumpkin): Pumpkin pectin protects the gastric lining, while fibre promotes intestinal motility. Nutrient-rich: Steaming preserves nutrients – pumpkin provides beta-carotene; Euryale ferox provides carbohydrates and minerals; red dates provide iron and vitamin C.
Suitable for：Those with weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, or indigestion Those with spleen-kidney deficiency, frequent nighttime urination, or weak knees Those with qi-blood deficiency, pale complexion, or palpitations Health-conscious individuals seeking a light, healthy diet Middle-aged and elderly people with weaker digestion General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Those with severe constipation or dry hard stools (Use with caution or avoid!): Euryale ferox is astringent and may worsen constipation. Those with food stagnation or abdominal bloating (Avoid!): May worsen bloating and discomfort. Diabetics (Strict portion control!): Pumpkin is relatively high in sugar – reduce pumpkin, omit rock sugar, and strictly limit portion size. Those allergic to Euryale ferox, red dates, or pumpkin (Avoid). Those with external fevers or acute inflammation (Use with caution): Warming, astringent foods may trap pathogens.
