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A Warm Hug Congee

A deeply nourishing postpartum congee designed to warm, restore, and replenish. This comforting bowl is rich in minerals, healthy fats, and blood-building ingredients traditionally used in postpartum recovery.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white rice
  • 1/4 cup millet
  • 1/4 cup Chinese yam
  • 2 TBSP black sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 2 TBSP goji berries
  • 4-5 red dates
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 5-6 slices ginger
  • 2-3 TBSP butter
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 8-10 cups bone broth
Traditional TCM Intentions
  • Black sesame + walnuts support deep restoration
  • Chinese yam and millet strengthen digestion
  • Ginger and cinnamon warm and encourage circulation
  • Red dates and goji berries nourish blood recovery

Directions

  1. Rinse rice and millet until clear.
  2. Add grains, yam, ginger, cinnamon, dates, and broth to a pot. Bring to boil.
  3. Simmer for 60-90 minutes until creamy.
  4. Stir in walnuts, sesame, and goji in the last 15 minutes.
  5. Melt in butter and add salt.

Traditional Nourishing Intentions

Black sesame + walnuts support deep restoration and nourishment

Chinese yam and millet gently strengthen digestion and energy

Ginger and cinnamon warm the body and encourage circulation

Red dates and goji berries traditionally nourish blood and support recovery after birth

Ingredients

(Makes 4–6 servings)

1/2 cup white rice

1/4 cup Chinese yam

1/4 cup millet

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

4–5 red dates (jujubes)

2 TBSP black sesame seeds

2 TBSP goji berries

5–6 slices fresh ginger

1 cinnamon stick

2–3 TBSP butter

Optional Additions

Splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess, a drizzle of raw honey after cooking, or extra toasted black sesame on top.

Directions

01

Rinse the rice and millet well until the water runs mostly clear.

02

Add the rice, millet, Chinese yam, ginger, cinnamon stick, red dates, and water or broth into a large pot. Bring to a boil.

03

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grains soften and become creamy. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.

04

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the walnuts, black sesame seeds, and goji berries.

05

Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the butter until fully melted and silky. Add a pinch of sea salt to bring the flavors together.

06

Serve warm and slow. Top with extra butter if desired.

Nutritional Benefits

Vital Minerals

Red dates and goji berries provide essential iron and track minerals to support blood building and recovery after childbirth.

Healthy Fats

Black sesame seeds and walnuts deliver high-quality omega-3s and fats that nourish the nervous system and skin health.

Postpartum Recovery

Warming ginger and cinnamon enhance circulation, while Chinese yam gently rebuilds digestive fire and energy stores.

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