Radish-Seed (Lai Fu Zi) and Black Sesame Congee

Why people make this congee

Nourilo notes that older people — especially long-time smokers — often build up a lot of phlegm, and may develop a chronic, wheezy cough with a tight, full chest. Radish seed (lai fu zi) is simply the seed of the common radish; in tradition it is used to move stuck food and “send qi downward,” helping to loosen phlegm. Toasted and ground with black sesame and cooked into a soft rice congee, it becomes a warm, easy-to-eat bowl that is associated with easing a phlegmy, wheezy cough.

Method

1. Dry-toast the radish seeds and black sesame in a clean pan until fragrant, then grind to a powder.
2. Rinse the rice and add a little oil and salt.
3. Cook the rice into a soft congee, stirring in the ground seed-and-sesame powder.
4. Eat as desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee also suits children with a phlegmy cough — one bowl a day is plenty for a child. Radish seeds (lai fu zi) can be bought at a Chinese herbal pharmacy.