Vegetarian Pumpkin Congee for Spleen Health Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine or short-grain rice
4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)
2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 small piece of ginger, finely grated
1 carrot, diced
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
Salt, to taste
Chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the congee.
Cook the Pumpkin: In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the diced pumpkin and simmer until it begins to soften, about 10 minutes.
Add Rice and Spices: Add the rinsed rice and grated ginger to the pot. Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the congee to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Simmer: Continue to cook the congee for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is completely soft and the mixture has a creamy texture.
Final Touches: About 10 minutes before the congee is done, add the diced carrot. This adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the dish. Season with salt to taste.
Serve: Ladle the hot congee into bowls. Garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavours and crunch
Health Benefits:
This warm, nourishing congee is gentle on the stomach and spleen, making it ideal for enhancing digestion and boosting energy. The inclusion of pumpkin not only provides a comforting sweetness and smooth texture but also supplies additional nutrients that support spleen health. The spices, like ginger and cinnamon, stimulate digestion and add a comforting warmth to the dish
Enjoy this heart-warming dish on a cool day to support your spleen and overall wellness.
