Hyacinth Bean, Lotus Seed and Job's Tears Congee

Why people make this congee

Nourilo starts with a reminder that breakfast matters: skipping it for years lets bile sit and thicken, which over time can favor stone formation. So good habits come first — don’t go too long on an empty stomach, and go easy on sugar, fat and unclean foods. This congee is his gentle companion for the stable phase of gallstones: it is traditionally said to strengthen the digestion and support gentle drainage, easing the upper-belly fullness and tightness that can linger.

Method

1. Rinse and soak the beans, lotus seeds, Job’s tears, dates, tangerine peel and rice.
2. Add 2.4 L of water and cook for about 2 hours down to 0.9–1.2 L of congee.
3. Serve warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee also suits people with weak digestion, poor appetite or diarrhea. Halve the amounts for children. Remember the bigger lesson: eat breakfast, don’t fast too long, and go easy on fat and sugar.