Pine Nut and Fig Congee

Why people make this congee

Constipation during pregnancy is extremely common, and the postpartum period is equally notorious for it. Straining is uncomfortable at the best of times, and when you are carrying a baby or recovering from delivery, finding a remedy that is genuinely safe and gentle matters enormously. This simple congee has been a trusted kitchen solution in Chinese households for generations precisely because it works through food rather than strong herbs or stimulant laxatives. Pine nuts are rich in natural fatty oils that lubricate the intestinal tract from within, and dried figs add gentle fibre along with natural sweetness. The result is a soft, comforting bowl of porridge that moves things along without any harshness.

Method

1. Wash the rice, pine nuts, and dried figs.
2. Place all ingredients in a pot (a slow cooker works well) and add enough water to make a congee of your preferred consistency — generally 1.8–2.4 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the porridge is soft and thick — approximately 40 minutes on the stovetop, or longer in a slow cooker.
4. Serve warm. Eat the congee including all the solid pieces of fig and pine nut.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee is not only useful for relieving constipation — it also has a gentle skin-nourishing quality that makes it suitable for regular, year-round eating. For whole-family use, increase the pine nuts to 75 g (about 75 g). Nourilo also notes that for pregnant women not keen on constipation remedies with a herbal taste, buying a bag of dried American prunes and eating 4 to 5 with a large glass of warm water can work quickly and simply — and prunes are also a good source of calcium and iron.