Congee & Porridge
Red Bean and Lotus Seed Beauty Congee
traditionally associated with nourishing the spleen, calming the mind, supporting blood circulation, and improving skin texture
Why people make this dish
Few things damage the skin as quickly and visibly as a run of bad sleep. Two or three late nights and the complexion loses its colour, the texture becomes rough and dull, and the energy to do anything about it disappears as well. Bro Niu designed this dish as a nourishing response to exactly that pattern — a gentle sweet congee that supports the spleen and stomach, nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and gives the skin the building blocks it needs to recover. The honey provides natural collagen-supporting compounds; the thickening with lotus root or arrowroot starch gives it a pleasant, satisfying texture. It can be eaten warm in winter or chilled in summer, and goes beautifully with a splash of milk.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits adults with rough, dull skin associated with poor sleep, overwork, or digestive weakness
- Also appropriate for those experiencing mild restlessness or difficulty settling at night
- Suitable during menstruation
- Adding a small amount of longan flesh (yuan rou) and lily bulb (bai he) is fine; do not add too much longan as it can be warming
- Can be served hot or cold; adding a splash of milk enhances flavour
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Small red beans / adzuki beans (hong dou): Traditionally used to nourish blood, strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, and reduce mild puffiness — a well-rounded ingredient for both beauty and digestive support.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Associated with calming the heart and steadying the mind, as well as tonifying the spleen and stomach. Fresh lotus seeds with the bitter green core still inside have an additional heart-clearing function.
- Coix seeds / Job’s tears (yi mi): A classic skin-brightening food in Chinese wellness. Traditionally used to support the spleen, drain dampness, and promote an even skin tone.
- Gorgon nut (qian shi): Often paired with coix seeds for spleen support and water drainage. Considered especially beneficial for digestive weakness.
- Honey: Contains natural enzymes and compounds that support skin cell renewal and provide moisture. Stir in after cooking — never boil honey.
- Lotus root starch or arrowroot starch: Thickens the congee into a smooth, pudding-like texture. Lotus root starch (ou fen) has a mild sweet flavour of its own and is preferred for a more elegant result.
Ingredients (3 bowls / 2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adzuki beans (hong dou) | 40 g | Soak 2 hours before cooking |
| Fresh lotus seeds | 80 g | Or 40 g dried; soak dried ones for 2 hours |
| Gorgon nut (qian shi) | 40 g | Soak 2 hours |
| Coix seeds (yi mi) | 40 g | Soak 2 hours |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces | |
| Lotus root or arrowroot starch | 2 tablespoons | Mix with a little cold water to form a slurry before adding |
| Honey | to taste | Stir in at the table, not during cooking |
| Water | approx. 1.4 L (6 bowls) |
Method
- Soak all beans, seeds, and nuts together in cold water for 2 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Pit the red dates.
- Place all ingredients except the starch and honey in a pot with 6 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for about 1 hour until the mixture softens and the liquid reduces to roughly 3 bowls.
- Mix the starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir gently into the hot congee and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Each person stirs in honey to their own taste just before eating.
Bro Niu’s tips
This dish is just as pleasant cold from the refrigerator as it is warm, making it versatile across seasons. A splash of fresh milk added when serving gives it a richer, creamier flavour. Regular enjoyment of this congee is traditionally associated with a rosier complexion and softer skin over time. It is also said to be helpful for those prone to nervous exhaustion or light sleep. Lotus root starch from a well-known brand (such as those sold at Yue Hwa Chinese Products) often comes in small individually portioned sachets — very convenient.
Published August 26, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
