Mutton soup. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

As the cold winter wind blows, nothing warms the body and soul like a bowl of mutton soup and a plate of mutton.

Since ancient times, mutton has not only been recognized as a delicacy but also a nourishing tonic by Chinese people. There is a saying which goes, "eating mutton in winter is as good as taking ginseng."

According to traditional Chinese medicinal beliefs, mutton has the effects of warming the spleen and kidneys and nourishing and strengthening the body. Modern research suggests that mutton can help promote blood circulation and enhance the ability to withstand the cold.

Braised mutton. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

There are various ways to enjoy mutton, such as stir-frying, steaming, boiling, and hot pot. Mutton soup is a must-have delicacy for Wuxi locals during autumn and winter. A carefully simmered mutton soup with mutton blood, cabbage, vermicelli, and more, cooked in a clay pot, is both delicious and aromatic.

Braised mutton is typically cooked with the skin and meat together, along with a dozen or more seasonings and spices. The meat's aroma is instantly released during cooking. Well-cooked mutton features a bright red color and tender and elastic texture.

Mutton jello. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

Mutton jello is also a must-try delicacy. On the Winter Solstice and Chinese New Year's Eve reunion dinners, a plate of translucent mutton jello is indispensable. To make the dish, lamb leg meat and belly meat are usually used. After the meat is cooked and deboned, it is doused in a thick mutton broth and left to cool.

Where can you find the most delicious mutton in Wuxi? Shuofang and Meicun subdistrict, Fangzhuan village in Yixing, and Shanguan village in Jiangyin are all great places to look.