Desserts
Red Date, Longan and Millet Milk Pudding
Red date, longan and millet milk pudding is a creative fusion dessert that combines traditional Chinese nourishing ingredients with a Western-style milk pudding technique. Millet is gentle on the stomach, red dates tonify qi and blood, and longans nourish blood and calm the mind. Cooked with milk and eggs, it becomes a creamy, sweet, and satisfying treat suitable for all ages.
Main Ingredients
- Millet 80-100g
- Eggs 1-2 pcs
- Whole milk 250-300ml
- Red dates 5-8 pcs
- Dried longan flesh 10-15g (about 5-8 pcs)
- Rock sugar to taste
- Water as needed
Steps
Rinse the millet and soak in water for 20-30 minutes. Pit the red dates and chop into small pieces. Soak the dried longan in warm water briefly, then drain.
Bring water to a boil in a pot (water about 6-8 times the volume of millet). Add the millet, bring to a boil again, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the millet softens and the water is mostly absorbed, forming a thick porridge.
Add the chopped red dates and longan. Continue simmering over low heat for 10-15 minutes until their sweetness infuses the porridge.
In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix thoroughly with the milk.
Slowly pour the milk-egg mixture into the millet porridge, stirring constantly. Continue simmering over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the porridge thickens and becomes creamy. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
Add rock sugar to taste, stir until dissolved, and turn off the heat. Serve warm.
TCM Notes
Tonifying qi and blood (core benefit): Red dates and longan are classic blood-nourishing ingredients, rich in iron and vitamins, helping to improve cold hands and feet and pale complexion. Calming the mind and improving sleep: Millet is rich in tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin; longan nourishes the heart and calms the mind. Consuming before bed can soothe nerves and improve sleep quality. Strengthening the spleen and stomach: Millet strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach. Combined with red dates, it helps improve poor appetite and indigestion. High-quality protein and calcium: Milk and eggs provide rich protein and calcium, supporting overall health.
Suitable for：Those with qi and blood deficiency – pale complexion, cold hands and feet, fatigue Those with poor sleep – insomnia, restlessness, neurasthenia Those with weak spleen and stomach – poor appetite, indigestion Postpartum women and those with irregular schedules – needing a quick energy and blood boost General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Diabetics (Use with caution!): Millet, red dates, and longan are high in sugar – strictly control portion size. Those with yin deficiency and fire-excess (Use with caution!): Longan is warm in nature and may worsen symptoms like dry mouth and sore throat. Those with damp-heat constitution or prone to上火 (Use with caution): Red dates and longan are warm and nourishing – avoid excessive consumption. Those allergic to milk, eggs, or any ingredient (Avoid!).
