Congee for Digestion

Before we dive into our favourite congee, let us give you context.

In Chinese Medicine the Kidneys supply the fire for digestion, helping it function adequately. Therefore, the food we choose to eat, according to Chinese Medicine theory, matters not just in regards to nutrients but also in regards to temperature, the way its cooked, and the flavour it possesses (see last month's newsletter).

If we regularly eat cold food, we can dampen that digestive fire, and rather than letting the stomach focus its energy on digestion it first has to work to bring the food to body temperature, therefore we are compromising our digestive fire. When we eat warm and nourishing foods such as congee, the warmth helps to support the Spleen and Stomach, so we see nutrients being drawn better, energy being lifted and digestion running smoothly.

So if you've found your digestion is a bit sluggish, feeling more bloated than usual, or just feeling low energy try the congee below!

Congee Recipe

• Place 1 cup of long-grained white rice in a pot,

• In a separate pot bring 8-12 cups of water to boil.

• Add 1-2 cups of boiling water to rice with a generous pinch of salt.

• Turn to high heat heat to high.

• Stir constantly as water is absorbed.

• As it thickens add more boiling water, and continue to stir.

• Continue this process 3 times (about 10-15 minutes)

• Add the remaining water and turn it down to a simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Make sure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

• We want to be left with very soft rice.

To serve, you could add sesame oil, soy sauce, spring onions, corn, boiled eggs, or mushrooms. The choices are endless, but make sure you let us know how you made it!