Congees
Walnut and Lily Porridge
Walnut and Lily Porridge is a classic medicinal porridge that combines delicious flavor with health benefits, particularly suitable for the dry autumn season or for those needing gentle nourishment. Walnuts, known as the "longevity nut," tonify the kidneys, nourish the brain, and moisten the lungs and intestines. Lilies, with their delicate fragrance, clear the heart, calm the mind, and moisten the lungs to relieve coughs. When cooked together with rice, this porridge is not only creamy and aromatic but also offers multiple benefits, including tonifying the kidneys, calming the mind, moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, nourishing the brain, and beautifying the skin.
Main Ingredients
- Walnut kernels 30g
- Dried lily bulbs 15g
- Japonica rice (or plain rice) 100g
- Black sesame seeds to taste
- Rock sugar to taste
- Water 1000ml
Steps
Rinse the dried lily bulbs and soak in water for 15-30 minutes until soft. If using fresh lily bulbs, simply rinse and separate. Wash and chop (or crush) the walnut kernels. Rinse the japonica rice (and glutinous rice, if using).
Place the prepared rice, chopped walnuts, and lily bulbs into a clay pot or soup pot. Add sufficient water (about 800-1000ml).
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help release the rice oil.
Add black sesame seeds (if using) and cook for another 20 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt for a savory porridge, or add rock sugar for a sweet version.
TCM Notes
Walnut kernels: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid, DHA), protein, vitamin E, and various trace elements. Known to tonify the kidneys, stabilize the lungs, relieve asthma, moisten the intestines, and nourish the brain. Lily bulbs: Rich in starch, protein, vitamins, and various alkaloids. Known to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and calm the mind, helpful for restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia. Japonica/Glutinous rice: Tonify the middle, strengthen the spleen and stomach. Glutinous rice, being warm in nature, enhances the warming and tonifying effect of the porridge. Black sesame seeds (if used): Tonify the liver and kidneys, nourish essence and blood, and moisten the intestines. Together, they achieve the synergistic effects of tonifying the kidneys, nourishing the brain, moistening the lungs, calming the mind, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and beautifying the skin.
Suitable for：Mental workers, students, and those with declining memory (for brain nourishment) The elderly, those with weak constitution, cold constitution, or cold limbs Those with chronic lung deficiency cough or dry throat (for moistening the lungs) Those with insomnia, excessive dreaming, or restlessness (for calming the mind) Those with dry skin or seeking beauty and skin nourishment Particularly suitable for patients with COPD of Yang deficiency constitution
Not suitable for：Those allergic to walnuts, lilies, or any other ingredients Patients with pneumonia or bronchiectasis should avoid Those with a history of hemoptysis (e.g., tuberculosis) should avoid Patients with liver disease or high cholesterol should avoid Those with diarrhea or loose stools should consume with caution (walnuts may worsen symptoms due to their laxative effect) Those with Yin deficiency with Fire excess or internal heat excess should not overconsume Infants and young children should consume with caution; ingredients must be finely processed and thoroughly cooked
