Seasonal TCM Dietetics — Winter

    Black Bean, Walnut & Black Sesame Congee

    黑豆核桃粥 · Hēi Dòu Hé Táo Zhōu

    Kidney Yang and Essence DepletionWarmNorthern ChineseCongee / Porridge
    Black Bean, Walnut & Black Sesame Congee — Black foods enter the Kidney. A slow congee of black bean, walnut and black sesame to bank Essence over the cold, quiet months.

    Black foods enter the Kidney. A slow congee of black bean, walnut and black sesame to bank Essence over the cold, quiet months.

    Prep
    8 h
    Cook
    1 h
    Total
    9 h
    Yield
    4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 80 g black beans (Hēi Dòu), soaked overnight
    • 80 g short-grain rice
    • 50 g walnuts (Hé Táo Rén), roughly chopped
    • 2 tbsp black sesame seeds (Hēi Zhī Ma), lightly toasted
    • 6 red dates (Dà Zǎo), pitted and torn
    • 1.6 L water
    • Rock sugar or a pinch of salt to taste

    Method

    1. 1Drain the soaked black beans and rinse well.
    2. 2Combine beans, rice, red dates and water in a heavy pot. Bring to the boil.
    3. 3Simmer uncovered on low for 50–60 minutes, stirring now and then, until creamy.
    4. 4Stir in the walnuts and black sesame in the last 10 minutes.
    5. 5Season lightly and serve hot for breakfast.

    Nutrition (approx.): ~290 kcal per serving · 1 bowl (~320 ml)

    All winter recipes

    Dietary guidance only. Not a substitute for individualised clinical assessment or prescribed treatment.