Celery, Red Date and Dried Scallop Congee

Why people make this congee

Nourilo knows plenty of older friends whose blood pressure and cholesterol have crept up over the years — partly from age stiffening the vessels, but mostly from a rich city diet that lets cholesterol settle on the artery walls. Celery has long been valued for gently supporting healthy blood pressure, and here Nourilo pairs it with dried scallop and red dates in a savoury congee. It is fragrant and clean-tasting, and an easy everyday bowl for the middle-aged and older.

Method

1. Soak the dried scallops in clean water until soft.
2. Remove the celery leaves, wash, and cut into segments.
3. Rinse the rice and lightly toss with a little oil and salt.
4. Put everything into a pot, add water, and simmer into a congee of a thick, comfortable consistency. Eat as much as you like.

Nourilo’s Tips

Chinese celery is considered more effective than Western celery, but if its flavour is too strong for you, Western celery works just as well.