Dessert Congee for Winter Warmth

By the Acuworx Team

Congee is a medicinal food that nourishes the body by enhancing digestion and improving metabolism. Though typically made with savory flavors, we created this nourishing plant-based recipe with naturally sweet ingredients in case you’re craving more of a dessert. Creamy coconut milk and juicy pomegranates offer a burst of antioxidants to keep you glowing. Walnuts complement with a crunch and omega-3s. Cinnamon brings warmth, has anti-inflammatory properties and supports heart, kidneys, and digestive health. We hope you enjoy this dessert congee! 

Serves: 4-5 people

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup (200 grams) jasmine rice, rinsed in water

• 4–6 cups (1–1.5 liters) coconut milk

• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar

• Kosher salt to taste

• Dash of cinnamon

• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Topping suggestions: 

• Walnuts 

• Pomegranate 

• Toasted coconut 

• Optional or substitute toppings: Chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans

Instructions

• In a pot over medium-high heat, combine the water and rice and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked. 

• In a separate pot, add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add vanilla bean paste. 

• Strain the rice and add back to the original pot. 

• Lower the heat to medium and mix in 1 cup of coconut milk to pot with rice. Stir frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed. 

• Repeat this process 2-3 more times, adding 1-1.5 cups of coconut milk at a time. 

• Once the final cup of coconut milk is absorbed, stir in the coconut sugar and salt. 

• Add some toasted coconut, pomegranate, walnuts, or toppings of your choice and enjoy! 

Traditional Chinese medicinal benefits for each ingredient

Jasmine rice 

• Clears heat

• Reduces swelling

• Tonifies qi

• Strengthens spleen

Coconut milk

• Anti-inflammatory effects

• Antimicrobial properties

• Antioxidant 

Walnuts

• Kidney deficiencies 

• Chronic coughing

• Relieve fatigue and stress 

Pomegranate 

• Antioxidant 

• Tonifies the spleen and lungs

• Clears heat and reduces pain

Coconut

• Antioxidant 

• Nourishes blood

• Tonifies Qi, Yin, and Jing

• Promotes fluid and urination 

Cinnamon 

• Warms kidneys

• Tonifies yang and spleen

• Disperses deep cold and warms the meridians 

• Alleviates pain 

• Nourishes qi and blood