Fresh Chinese Yam and Lean Pork Congee

Why people make this congee

Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) is available seasonally at Chinese and Asian grocers, and when it does appear it is well worth picking up — it can be made into soup, congee, or a simple stir-fry, and it keeps well. What makes fresh yam particularly valued is its natural mucilaginous coating — a sticky, slippery substance that, when eaten, coats the digestive tract gently and is thought in Chinese food therapy to support the health of blood vessels and help regulate how the body processes sugar. This congee is a traditional choice for people with diabetes, those managing weight, or anyone with cardiovascular concerns who wants a nourishing, uncomplicated morning meal.