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Black Sesame & Astragalus Congee

Postpartum Nourishment

A gentle, warming embrace for the early weeks of motherhood. This recipe follows the TCM intention to Tonify Kidney and uplift qi, providing deep restoration when you need it most.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 cup white rice (Jasmine or Pearl)
  • 7 cups water or light vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
  • 15g organic Astragalus root slices (remove before serving)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
  • Optional: Goji berries and a drizzle of honey

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot, combine rice, water/broth, astragalus root, and ginger.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover partially.
  4. Cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down into a creamy porridge.
  5. Remove the astragalus root slices.
  6. Stir in the ground black sesame seeds and simmer for 5 more minutes.
  7. Serve warm and garnish with goji berries if desired.

TCM Intention: Tonify Kidney and Uplift Qi

In this healing congee, Black Sesame seeds are used to deeply nourish the Essence (Jing), Blood, and Yin, specifically targeting the Kidney and Liver systems so vital for postpartum recovery. Astragalus root (Huang Qi) serves to boost the defensive Qi and uplift the energy of the internal organs, especially the Spleen, helping to restore strength and immune resilience after the profound transition of birth.

Ingredients

Yields 4 Servings

  • 1 cup white rice, thoroughly rinsed
  • 30g high-quality black sesame paste
  • 15g astragalus slices (Huang Qi)
  • 8 cups filtered water or light vegetable stock
  • 1-2 red dates (Jujubes), sliced and pitted
  • A pinch of sea salt to taste
  • Optional: Goji berries for garnish

Nourishing Preparation

This Black Sesame & Astragalus Congee is crafted with the TCM intention to 'Tonify Kidney and uplift qi'. For postpartum moms, this warm, mineral-rich bowl offers gentle digestive support and deep replenishment during your sacred window of healing.

Step 01

Rinse the white rice and black sesame seeds thoroughly under cold water. If you have time, soak the rice for 30 minutes to ensure a creamier texture, then drain.

Step 02

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rinsed rice, sesame seeds, astragalus root, and 8 cups of filtered water or light vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice has broken down into a silky, thick porridge.

Step 04

Remove the astragalus root slices. Season with a pinch of sea salt. Ladle into bowls and garnish with goji berries or toasted walnuts for extra kidney-tonifying power. Serve warm.

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