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A Healing Recipe for a Busy Lifestyle
The perfect easy meal for the changing seasons.
When I was studying Ayurveda in India, one of my absolute favorite dishes was Congee (also know as Kanji, Kunyi, rice porridge, rice gruel, Jook, or Zhou).
It’s a delicious, easy to digest, and easy to make soupy rice dish that is cherished in Ayurveda for its many health benefits. Congee is light, nourishing, and suitable for all mind-body types, making it an ideal dish.
Whether you're recovering from illness, experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, or simply seeking a light comforting balancing dish, congee can help you reset and strengthen your digestive fire (Agni).
Benefits of Congee
1. Gentle on Digestion: Congee is easy to digest, making it ideal for when your Agni (digestive fire) is weak. It provides nourishment without overwhelming the digestive system, perfect for when you are recovering from illness, breaking your fast, detoxing, in need of digestive support, or want a light yet grounding comforting meal.
2. Boosts Ojas: Congee is a Sattvic food, promoting peace, clarity, and vitality. It builds Ojas, long-term immunity, endurance, and overall vitality. Learn about Ojas by revisiting the 10 Core Principles of Healthy Eating.
3. Hydrating and Nourishing: Cooked with plenty of water, congee is hydrating and nourishing, helping the body absorb essential nutrients more easily.
4. Balances All Doshas: Its neutral nature means congee is balancing for all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Vata benefits from the moisture, Pitta from the cooling effect of the rice, and Kapha from its lightness.
5. Customizable: You can easily adjust congee’s ingredients and spices to make it sweet or savory and to suit your mind-body type and health needs. Congee is a very versatile and adaptable dish.
How to Make Congee
Below are two simple methods for cooking congee.
This recipe couldn’t get any easier!
Whether you want to use a pressure cooker or simply a medium size pot on your stove, making congee requires minimal ingredients and preparation.
You can use short grain rice, basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or other grains of choice. Short grain rice is used traditionally and is my favorite, as it offers a thicker consistency. If using other grains you may want to reduce the amount of water. It’s all up to your preference, what you have on hand, and/or what dosha you are looking to balance.
Keep it simple and experiment until you find your favorite version.
Adjust the amount of water depending on whether you want a thicker or runnier texture. Broth or stock can also be used in place of water if you desire or are needing more nourishment. In Ayurveda, Rock Salt is also preferred over Sea Salt, as it is said to be more balancing for all three doshas. Sea Salt can tend to aggravate pitta.
Additional Topping Ideas
Sprouted mung beans and fresh grated coconut sautéed in ghee with salt and pepper (this is how I had it for the very first time in India 😋)
Lightly toasted black sesame seeds, sesame oil, ginger, and green onion
Cinnamon and a dash dash of honey (be sure to add honey once the dish has cooled slightly as Ayurveda doesn’t recommend cooking honey)
Get creative with your toppings and flavorings or enjoy it plain. Incorporating this recipe into your daily routine can provide both immediate comfort and long-term health benefits.
Congee is a simple yet powerful dish that supports your digestion, balances your doshas, and boosts your overall vitality. Whether you’re seeking to restore balance, aid digestion, or nourish the body during illness, congee is a versatile, customizable dish perfect for any time of year. Try making congee a regular part of your Ayurvedic practice to experience its gentle, grounding, and nourishing benefits
Wondering how to season/flavor congee to best support your mind-body type and find more balance?
We’re here to guide you on your health journey!
** The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a medical doctor or qualified healthcare provider before attempting any new health practices, routines, or diets.