Congee & Porridge
Azuki Bean, Barley & Red Date Porridge
Traditionally used to support uric acid clearance and ease early gout through dietary adjustment
Why people make this porridge
Gout is increasingly common in modern life — rich foods, alcohol, seafood, and organ meats all contribute to elevated uric acid. In the early stages, blood tests may show elevated uric acid before any joint symptoms appear. Over time, episodes of sudden, painful joint inflammation — usually starting at the big toe — begin to occur and can worsen with each recurrence. This porridge is a practical dietary habit: easy to make, mild in flavor, and suitable to eat daily or as a regular meal replacement during a flare-up.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for people with elevated uric acid or early gout as a daily dietary support
- Bro Niu recommends eating it every day for 10 consecutive days, then 2–3 times per week for maintenance
- Suitable for the elderly and those with high blood pressure
- Can substitute red dates with nan zao (South dates) for people prone to heat-type breakouts; those who dislike dates can omit them entirely
- People with diabetes should use a minimal amount of rock sugar or none at all; those with diabetes can keep the recipe but should limit red dates to 3–4 pieces
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Azuki beans (chi xiao dou): Among the very few legumes that are extremely low in purines (uric acid precursors), making them one of the only beans gout patients can safely eat. Traditionally associated with promoting healthy water metabolism, easing swelling, and supporting detoxification; high in potassium, vitamins, and minerals; traditionally said to support blood sugar and blood pressure regulation
- Raw barley / Job’s tears (yi mi): Widely used in Cantonese food therapy to support the spleen, drain dampness, and promote urinary health; pairs naturally with azuki beans; use raw (unroasted) barley in this recipe
- Red dates (hong zao): Naturally sweet and gently tonifying; traditionally associated with supporting qi and blood, and nourishing the liver
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Azuki beans (chi xiao dou) | 38 g (1 liang) | Soak for 30 minutes first |
| Raw barley (yi mi) | 38 g (1 liang) | Soak for 30 minutes first; use raw, not toasted |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Rock sugar | to taste | Optional; minimize for diabetics |
| Water | 6 bowls (approx. 1.2 L) |
Method
- Rinse and soak the azuki beans and barley for 30 minutes.
- Pit the red dates.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook for about 1.5 hours until the beans are soft and the porridge thickens.
- Stir in rock sugar to taste and serve. Can be eaten as a meal substitute or a snack.
Bro Niu’s tips
This porridge is neither cooling nor heating — it suits all constitutions and can be eaten by virtually everyone. Beyond gout support, it is traditionally associated with cancer prevention and makes a gentle, everyday wellness food. Can be cooked in a pressure cooker to save time. Leftovers keep overnight. Can also be cooked as a soup (with lean pork or chicken breast) rather than a porridge. If using a thermal flask to cook overnight, toast the beans in a dry wok for 7 minutes first to ensure they cook through safely.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Yau Yau): My mother is 80 years old and has high blood pressure and heart disease. Today the doctor diagnosed her with gout — her feet are very painful. What foods should she avoid and what soup can help? Bro Niu: Gout patients should avoid mushrooms, legumes (most varieties), and organ meats — all of which are high in purines. However, azuki beans are the exception and are safe to use. Try eating azuki bean and barley porridge every day. There is also a folk remedy: one small green papaya (seeds removed), 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves, cooked in 2 bowls of water for 45 minutes; drink the liquid and eat some of the papaya. This folk method is said to help if taken for 15 consecutive servings — the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, so it’s worth trying.
-
Q (yan): Can I cook this without red dates? Can I add rice and tangerine peel? Bro Niu: You can leave out the red dates. Adding rice is fine, and tangerine peel is fine too.
-
Q (JOYCE): Can someone with diabetes make this? And if so, can they substitute something for the sugar? Bro Niu: People with diabetes can have this porridge — just skip the red dates, or use only 3–4 at most. No sugar is needed.
Published December 7, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
