Lily Bulb and Pine Nut Congee

Why people make this congee

In traditional thinking, “the lung and the large intestine are paired,” so when the lungs feel dry and the qi doesn’t move freely, the bowels can turn sluggish too. Nourilo likes to reach for foods that moisten the lungs and ease the bowels together. Pine nuts cost a little more, but he considers them a genuinely worthwhile food for middle-aged and older folks — nourishing and gently lubricating. Paired with lily bulb, which is traditionally soothing to the lungs and calming to the mind, they cook into a comforting congee.

Method

1. Rinse all the ingredients.
2. Add water and cook into a congee of a nice, thick consistency.
3. Serve in whatever amount you like.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee tastes lovely and suits the whole family, young and old — but skip it if you have loose stools. Use about 38 g dried lily bulb, or about 75 g fresh; both work. The pine nuts are the ready-to-eat kind, sold at larger dried-goods shops.