Traditional Chinese Wellness: Soy bean Beef Stew

As the temperatures drop and the winter chill sets in, there's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Chinese soy bean with beef stew. This hearty dish is not only delicious, but it also holds deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine. The combination of tender beef, earthy soy beans, and aromatic spices creates a nourishing bolus that is believed to strengthen the loins and invigorate the kidneys. The slow-simmered stew warms the body from the inside out, making it the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly winter day. With its rich flavors and health-promoting properties, this timeless recipe is sure to become a family favorite throughout the cold season.
Ingredients:
- 130g dried soy beans (Soak over night)
- 1600g beef brisket, chopped into cubes
- 30g garlic, sliced
- 35g ginger, sliced
- 3 tbsp douban (Sichuan fermented bean paste)
- 2 tbsp chili sauce
- 3 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 6 dried chili peppers
- 3 bay leaves
- 30g rock sugar
- 4 green onions, chopped into long pieces
- Soy sauce and cooking wine, to taste

Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beef brisket cubes and boil for 1-2 minutes to blanch. Drain the beef and reserve the cooking liquid.
2. In a wok, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add the douban and stir-fry until fragrant and red.
3. Add the chili sauce, ginger, green onions, Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaves, and dried chili peppers. Stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Add the blanched beef back to the wok and stir-fry with the spices.
5. Pour in the reserved beef cooking liquid, enough to submerge the beef. Bring to a boil.
6. Add the soaked soy beans. Season with soy sauce and cooking wine to taste.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.