Chestnut Rice

Why people make this rice

A relative brought Bro Niu a few packs of chestnut-rice mix back from Japan, where the chestnuts are famously soft, sweet and bright yellow. Plain good chestnuts — Liangxiang, Guilin or Tianjin varieties — are just as delicious. In traditional thinking, the chestnut is called “the fruit of the kidney,” associated with supporting the kidneys, the qi and the stomach. It is considered especially suitable for older adults, and cooking it into rice makes an easy, warming everyday dish.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Older adults and people who want a gentle, kidney-supporting everyday rice; chestnut is traditionally valued for those with kidney weakness.
• Children should not eat too much, as chestnuts can sit heavily in the stomach; anyone with poor digestion or a bloated, full feeling should also go easy.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Chestnut (li zi): Traditionally called the “fruit of the kidney” — associated with supporting the kidneys, building qi and warming the stomach.
• White rice (bai mi) & stock: Carry the chestnut’s sweetness into a comforting, easy-to-eat dish.

Ingredients (3–4 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Chestnuts	~150 g	Shelled and skinned
White rice	to taste	Rinsed
Stock / broth	to taste	—

Method

1. Drop the chestnuts into boiling water to loosen the skins. (If still in shell, score a cross on the top, heat in water about 20 minutes, then shell.)
2. Rinse the white rice.
3. Put the rice, chestnuts and stock into a rice cooker and cook until the rice is done. Serve.

Bro Niu’s tips

Chestnuts are nourishing, but children should not eat too many or they can weigh on the stomach. Anyone with poor digestion, bloating or a full feeling should not eat too much either.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Fermi): Is this rice suitable for the elderly? My mother is in hospital with fluid on the lungs and shortness of breath, and has no appetite — is there a food remedy to whet her appetite? Bro Niu: Millet is very gentle on the spleen. You can cook a millet congee with chicken or lean pork and red jujubes, adding a small handful of white rice to make it smoother. Add any congee toppings she enjoys.

• Q (Fermi): How many red jujubes should I use? Do I need to pit them? Bro Niu: Use 5–6 jujubes, and yes, pit them first.

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Published March 2, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.