Codonopsis and red date millet congee
Millet simmered until silky with codonopsis and red dates — gently sweet, easy to eat and a quiet morning lift.
- 50 min
- Serves 2
- Simmer
- Easy
Why it suits you: Qi-deficient people often feel tired and short of breath, and the long days and heavy sweating of Grain in Ear drain qi further. Millet and red dates strengthen the spleen and stomach, and codonopsis tonifies qi. Congee is easy to digest and warms the stomach without sitting heavily, so you have more energy through the day.
Method
Prep 10 min · Cook 40 min- 1Rinse the codonopsis and red dates; cut the codonopsis into pieces and pit the dates. Rinse and drain the millet and rice.
- 2Bring the water to the boil, add the millet, rice, codonopsis and dates, return to the boil, then simmer half-covered for 35 minutes, stirring now and then so it doesn't catch.
- 3Add the goji berries 5 minutes before the end, and a little rock sugar if you like. It's ready when a creamy layer forms on top.
Cautions
- Pause codonopsis when you have a cold, fever or indigestion.
Chef's tips
- Millet catches easily, so use a heavy-based pot and stir; the creamy top layer is the most nourishing part.
The TCM view
Codonopsis is sweet and neutral, tonifying the middle, boosting qi and nourishing blood. Millet is sweet, salty and slightly cool, harmonising the middle and clearing heat. Red dates are sweet and warm, tonifying the spleen and calming the mind; goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys. The warm tonics are balanced by the slightly cool millet, so it boosts qi without dryness.
