What is Congee?

Traditional Medicine in a Bowl

Congee (or “jook” in Cantonese) is more than just a comforting grain porridge—it's a therapeutic food that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Made by simmering grains in a large amount of water until it breaks down into a creamy consistency, congee is exceptionally easy to digest, making it ideal for extracting maximum nutritional benefit with minimal digestive effort. This gentle cooking process transforms simple grains into a warming, nourishing dish that strengthens digestive qi—the foundation of strong immunity according to TCM.

what grains work best with congee?

Feel free to experiment with different grains as each will bring a different therapeutic value, texture, and feel. Traditionally, millet or rice were used, however, there are many options and you can tailor the recipe to fit your palette and dietary needs.

  • white rice

  • brown rice

  • glutinous/sweet rice

  • millet

  • barley

  • Job’s tears

  • amaranth

  • oats

  • cornmeal

How to modify your congee, based on the season:

Spring (Supporting Liver and Gallbladder)

  • Fresh ginger: Disperses lingering cold while supporting upward spring energy

  • Leafy greens (added just before serving): Supports the Liver's detoxification function

  • Scallions: (added just before serving) Releases stagnation and promotes the smooth flow of qi

  • Shiitake mushrooms: Strengthens immunity while supporting Liver function

  • Lemon zest: (added just before serving) Brightens flavor while moving Liver qi

Summer (Supporting Heart and Small Intestine)

  • Goji berries: Nourishes blood and supports Heart function

  • Fresh mint (added just before serving): Cools and calms the system

  • Red dates (jujubes): Tonifies qi and blood without creating excess heat

  • A small amount of cooling fruits: like berries (added as garnish)

  • Lotus seed: Strengthens the Heart and calms the spirit

Late Summer (Supporting Spleen and Stomach)

  • Sweet potato: Strengthens digestive qi and provides sustainable energy

  • Yi Yi Ren (Job's tears): Strengthens the Spleen and removes dampness

  • Carrots: Supports the digestive system while adding natural sweetness

  • A small amount of honey: (added just before serving) Tonifies the middle burner (digestive system)

  • Astragalus slices: Builds defensive qi (remove before eating)

Fall (Supporting Lungs and Large Intestine)

  • Asian pear (added just before serving): Moistens the Lungs and clears heat

  • White fungus (tremella): Nourishes yin and moistens dryness

  • Almonds: Stops cough and lubricates the intestines

  • A small drizzle of honey: (added just before serving) Moistens and supports Lung yin

  • Daikon radish: Clears heat and supports lung function

Winter (Supporting Kidneys and Bladder)

  • Black sesame seeds: Nourishes yin and provides warming energy

  • Walnuts: Tonifies Kidney energy and warms the system

  • Bone broth (used as cooking liquid): Deeply nourishing for Kidney essence

  • Ginger: Provides warming energy essential for winter

  • Chinese yam (Dioscorea): Strengthens the Kidneys and Spleen

Adding these ingredients to your basic congee recipe doesn't just enhance flavor—it transforms a simple dish into personalized medicine, offering gentle yet effective immune support aligned with the energy of each season.