Tips

Congee – An Ancient Remedy

Parsnips Carrots Chicken Congee - Shane's Kitchen

Congee, a form of rice soup, is an ultimate comfort food. Congee has long been considered a medicinal food in China since the Han dynasty. This dish is prepared by cooking rice, or any preferred grains, with extra water or stock for a period of time until the desired consistency is achieved. This healthy delight is often used in combination with the best meal plans in Singapore. It is light on the stomach and has horde of benefits.

Also known as porridge, rice soup or gruel, it is absolutely

  • A well-received weaning food for babies.
  • A healing food for people with gastro-intestinal issues or chronic illnesses.
  • Perfect for the improvement and maintenance of gut health.
  • Helpful in weight management.
  • Essential in relieving the symptoms of illness and improving surgery recovery
  • Beneficial in boosting mother’s milk supply during lactation. 

For cold or flu:
Congee is great for patients with common cold and flu. Adding freshly grated ginger or cinnamon can be of great help. If sinuses are affected, a bit of wasabi can be added too. Onions and scallions are great ideas too!

For diarrhoea:

Porridges and congees are often used as a form of treatment for diarrhoea. Besides acting as a form of hydration, it is also gentle on the stomach and provides the best form of nutrition during times of discomfort. Choose white rice because they tend to be easier to digest and add a little ginger and leek which help to warm the stomach and aid digestion. You can also simmer the rice in broths or stock for added nourishment.

For dry constipation:
A porridge or congee high in fibre and nutrients is a good remedy for people suffering from chronic constipation. It also helps to moisten the cells in the intestines and aids in bowel movement Some recommendation of additional ingredients includes hijiki, kombu, yams, flax seeds, black sesame seeds, and prunes to help move bowels along the gastrointestinal tract.

For digestive issue:
Used to increase movement in the digestive system, nourish and strengthen it, congees have been used as a remedy for digestive issues such as flatulence, indigestion, pain, reflux etc. Gentle on the stomach and easily digestible, congee is the ultimate comfort food on days you don’t feel too good. Common ingredients added include lean protein, dried goods such as conpoy or white bait, and lots of vegetables.

For boosting immunity:

If you’re looking for a healthy meal plan, nothing beats a perfectly simmered congee. A one pot meal with all the immunity goodness you and your little one need, made available in an instant. Ginger, turmeric, garlic, onions, peppers, scallions, shallots, nutrient packed vegetables and highly nutritious broths and stocks are frequently used in our congees and porridges for that added immunity boosting benefits.

Congees, porridges and gruels are definitely great ideas to include in your health meal plan. At Shane’s Kitchen, broths and stocks are used as bases for a good porridge. For optimal nutrition, ingredients are carefully selected and paired to create a superfood well suited for you and your little one. If you’re looking for a natural medicinal addition to your diet, we definitely have something for you. Enjoy!