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.