Pine Nut and Fig Congee

Why people make this congee

Nourilo points out that older folks often don’t get constipated from eating too much rich, heating food — more often it’s a weakness-type constipation, the qi-deficient kind. The stool isn’t hard; there’s just no strength to push it out, and afterward you feel worn out, short of breath, pale and tired. This isn’t only an older person’s problem — frail or recovering people get it too. This soft, kindly congee is his answer: it replenishes, moistens the lungs and gently eases the bowels.

Method

1. Rinse the pine nuts and rice. Slice the figs.
2. Put everything in a pot and add water.
3. Simmer into a congee of medium-thick consistency.
4. Eat freely, including the soft ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee also suits dry-lung cough, coughing up a little blood, and dizziness. For someone with weak digestion, you can blend the finished congee smooth so all the goodness is absorbed; if they bloat easily, add a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) while cooking.