Sea Cucumber and Glutinous Rice Congee

Why people make this congee

A recurring salty taste in the mouth is one of those signs that traditional Chinese medicine pays close attention to. It is associated with what TCM calls kidney deficiency — a state where the kidney’s vital energy is depleted, often from overwork, age, or prolonged illness. Both major patterns of kidney deficiency (yin deficiency and yang deficiency) can produce this sensation, though they come with different accompanying symptoms: yin deficiency tends to bring dry throat, dizziness, night sweats, and irritability, while yang deficiency shows up more as fatigue, cold limbs, frequent nighttime urination, and a lack of drive.

Sea cucumber is one of those rare traditional foods regarded as tonifying for both yin and yang simultaneously — meaning it is appropriate for either pattern. It contains no cholesterol, is rich in collagen and protein, and has a gentle, neutral quality that makes it suitable for most people. Pairing it with glutinous rice makes a congee that is warming for the spleen and stomach, and gently nourishing for the kidneys.

Method

1. Rehydrate the sea cucumber in advance (at least 24 hours in cold water, changing the water twice). Once fully soft, blanch briefly in boiling water, then slice.
2. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak for 30 minutes.
3. Combine the glutinous rice with an appropriate amount of water and the chicken broth in a pot. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until the congee reaches a thick, smooth consistency.
4. Add the sliced sea cucumber and stir through.
5. Add the ginger and spring onion; season with salt and white pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.

Nourilo’s Tips

This is a beautifully simple dish that is also lovely for the skin — sea cucumber’s collagen content makes the congee silky and nourishing for complexion as well. The addition of ginger is particularly recommended for those with a cold constitution or a tendency toward bloating; the warmth of ginger balances the neutral-to-cool quality of the sea cucumber and helps the stomach digest the sticky glutinous rice. For children and people with digestive conditions, glutinous rice should not be eaten in large quantities at one time — a modest bowl is plenty.