Recipe time!
Experimenting with cooking is an excellent way to try out new and healthy foods. This congee (porridge) can be made sweet or savory depending on your toppings and is healthy and delicious!
CONGEE/CHINESE PORRIDGE
What is it?
Congee is a grain based (usually rice) medicinal porridge served for centuries in traditional Chinese homes. Congee is used preventatively to promote good health and long life. Congee is also used to help the body recover from various ailments.
Benefits of a congee breakfast
Congee is an excellent whole grain hot breakfast alternative. Congee can jump start your digestive system. The long cooking time breaks down the food, making it very easy to digest and assimilate, providing your body with the nutrients it needs. Congee strengthens digestion, builds energy and enhances metabolism. Congee is economical and easy to prepare; it is high in nutrients and low in fat.
How do I prepare congee?
Congee is readily cooked overnight in a crock pot or rice cooker. Alternatively it can be simmered on the stove over very low heat.
Recipe:
- 1 part grain (1cup)
- Nine parts water (9 cups)
- Combine water and grain in a crock pot, rice cooker or standard pot, cook on low overnight (8 hours).
- Adjust the proportions of grain and water to achieve a satisfactory consistency
- Increase or decrease serving size as desired
- Eat the congee plain or add additional ingredients per the suggestion of your acupuncturist or to your taste
Suggested ingredients:
Grains – choose white rice, brown rice, barley, oats or quinoa
Spices – cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, bay leaf
Nuts/Fruits – jujube (Chinese date), goji berry, dried cherries, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds (if using nuts, add them just before serving)
Vegetables – sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, squash
Meat – chicken, pork
Other flavorings – Damasio, molasses, honey, maple syrup, rice milk, you may also substitute chicken stock for all or part of the water
Experiment with different flavors and see what you like for Congee Recipe! Personally we love congee with chicken stock, carrots, peas, chicken and nutritional yeast, yum!
