Congee & Porridge
Lily Bulb and Pine Nut Congee
Traditionally moistens the lungs and eases dry bowels
Why people make this congee
In traditional thinking, “the lung and the large intestine are paired,” so when the lungs feel dry and the qi doesn’t move freely, the bowels can turn sluggish too. Bro Niu likes to reach for foods that moisten the lungs and ease the bowels together. Pine nuts cost a little more, but he considers them a genuinely worthwhile food for middle-aged and older folks — nourishing and gently lubricating. Paired with lily bulb, which is traditionally soothing to the lungs and calming to the mind, they cook into a comforting congee.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who want a gentle, moistening congee for a dry chest and sluggish bowels
- A tasty, mild dish suited to the whole family, young and old
- Not suitable for those with loose stools (it is moistening)
- For diagnosed lung conditions, please follow your doctor’s care
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Pine nuts (song zi ren): traditionally nourish, build up the body, moisten the lungs and lubricate the bowels
- Lily bulb (bai he): traditionally moistens the lungs, soothes a cough and calms the mind
- White rice (bai mi): the gentle, easy-to-digest base of the congee
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried lily bulb | ~38 g (1 liang) | Or ~75 g fresh |
| Pine nuts | ~75 g (2 liang) | The ready-to-eat kind |
| White rice | ~75 g (2 liang) | Rinsed |
Method
- Rinse all the ingredients.
- Add water and cook into a congee of a nice, thick consistency.
- Serve in whatever amount you like.
Bro Niu’s tips
This congee tastes lovely and suits the whole family, young and old — but skip it if you have loose stools. Use about 1 liang dried lily bulb, or about 2 liang fresh; both work. The pine nuts are the ready-to-eat kind, sold at larger dried-goods shops.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (CTC): Should I use dried or fresh lily bulb? Bro Niu: Use about 1 liang dried, or 2 liang fresh — both are suitable.
-
Q (Twin): Are the pine nuts the ready-to-eat kind, or from a dried-goods shop? Bro Niu: They’re the ready-to-eat kind, sold at the larger dried-goods shops.
-
Q (Ah Sai): My husband had rectal surgery on March 8 — can he eat this congee, or what soup is good? Bro Niu: This congee suits anyone recovering from surgery, and is especially good after rectal surgery. You can also make a lean pork soup with snow fungus, figs and red dates — it’s very good for the gut after such operations.
Published March 4, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
