Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

Name: Laba congee
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Glutinous rice 80 g; Red beans 50 g; Peanuts 40 g; Lotus seeds 30 g; Red dates 8; Dried longan flesh 20 g; Water 2000 ml; Rock sugar 30 g

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

20 Jan 2026

Tailor to a constitution

Major Cold · Breakfast · Qi Deficiency

Laba congee

Sticky rice, red beans, peanuts, lotus seeds and dates simmered together — gently sweet and warming.

1 hr 40 min
Serves 4
Simmer
Easy

WarmingBoosts qiNourishes blood

Why it suits you: Laba falls around Major Cold, when qi-deficient people tire easily and feel the cold. This mixed-grain congee is sweet and warming.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 90 min

1Soak the beans, peanuts and lotus seeds overnight; soak the rice for 1 hour.
2Boil the beans and peanuts in the water, then simmer for 40 minutes.
3Add the rice, lotus seeds and dates and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring often.
4Add the longan and rock sugar for 10 minutes.

Cautions

Contains peanuts; reduce sugar if watching blood sugar.

Chef's tips

Soak the beans the night before to save time.

The TCM view

Glutinous rice is sweet and warm, boosting qi; red beans and lotus seeds support the spleen; peanuts nourish blood; dates and longan build qi and blood.

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Seasonal principle

The last term of the year. Protect against extreme cold while preparing the body for the coming Spring. Transition from heavy, greasy tonics to more balanced, gentle nourishment. Start incorporating slightly pungent foods to help the body's energy begin its upward movement for spring.

In season now

In season around Major Cold: Chicken, Yam, Dates, Goji Berries, Black Fungus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Qi Deficiency

Low energy, tires easily and catches colds

Enjoy: Chinese yam · Millet and pumpkin · Red dates · Chicken and beef · Shiitake and soybeans

Go easy: Raw, cold food and iced drinks · Crash dieting · Greasy, heavy meals

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.