Late Summer Recipe: Carrot, Kumera and Lentil Stew.

Late Summer in Australia starts in February and represents the waning of the intense Summer Heat. Leading into Autumn, it's a good time to start building the Spleen and Stomach Qi with nourishing soups, stews and slow cooked meals.

Carrot, Sweet Potato & Lentil Stew with Turmeric

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1 tsp ground turmeric + ½ tsp ground cumin

• 2 large carrots, sliced

• 1 large sweet potato, chopped

• ½ cup red lentils

• 3 cups vegetable stock

• 1 tsp tamari or soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander

• Squeeze of lemon juice

• Optional: steamed greens on the side

Method

1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté onion, garlic and ginger until fragrant.

2. Add turmeric & cumin; toast briefly.

3. Add carrots, sweet potato, lentils and stock; stir, bring to simmer.

4. Cook ~20‑25 minutes until lentils and veggies are tender.

5. Season with tamari, stir in fresh coriander and lemon juice.

6. Serve hot, with steamed greens (eg kale or silverbeet) on the side.

Why it supports the Earth/Spleen: Sweet potato and carrots are earth‑coloured, sweet flavour, cooked for easy digestion; lentils provide gentle protein and fibre; warming spices support digestion and reduce dampness/ heaviness.

Lifestyle Tips for the Earth Element & Late Summer

Since the Earth element links not only to digestion but also to the mental‑emotional quality of overthinking, worry, pensiveness, it’s useful to consider how you feel as much as what you eat.

• When the Spleen is taxed, one may feel mentally heavy, find thoughts circling, feel “stuck” in worry, or have difficulty concentrating.

• To support the Earth element: eat meals without distraction, sit calmly, chew thoroughly, and avoid eating when emotionally agitated or stressed.

• Gentle movement (walking, light yoga, stretching) helps the body “move the dampness” and lifts energy from a sluggish state.

• Maintain regular sleep and rest – the transitional season invites the body to begin drawing slightly inward as we move toward autumn.

• Keep hydration gentle: room‑temperature or warm drinks rather than lots of iced fluids, which can challenge the Spleen’s digestive ‘fire’.

For additional help with digestive symptoms including bloating, flatulence, burping, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea, consider Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine. I'm a degree qualified TCM practitioner with over 20 years experience and during a consultation we can work out what is the best plan forward for you. You can make an appointment online here to get started.