Pine Nut Congee

Why people make this congee

Pine nuts are fragrant and sweet, warm in nature, and traditionally valued for nourishing the liver and kidneys and gently lubricating the lungs and intestines. They’re a lovely choice for older people, whose weaker abdominal and bowel muscles — or simply low fluids — can make them prone to dryness and constipation. Nourilo notes that cold soups or cooling drinks won’t help that kind of dryness and can even make it worse. This warm, lubricating congee is traditionally turned to for the constipation of weakness, habitual constipation, and dryness from low fluids.

Method

1. Add the pine nuts and rice to water and simmer into a thin congee.
2. Stir in honey to taste and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee is tasty and best taken warm — on an empty stomach in the morning and again before bed. It also suits people with a dry, ticklish cough that brings up little or no phlegm, or a dry throat.