Congees
Spinach Porridge
Spinach Porridge is a classic medicinal porridge from the Chinese Medicinal Diet Dictionary, also recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica. It features spinach – known as the "nutritional model student" – and spleen-strengthening japonica rice, slowly simmered together. The finished porridge is smooth and creamy, with tender, fragrant spinach and a vibrant green color. It is renowned for nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, astringing yin, moistening dryness, and promoting intestinal health. It serves as an excellent dietary therapy for those with weak constitution, chronic constipation, hemorrhoid bleeding, and iron-deficiency anemia.
Main Ingredients
- Spinach 250g
- Japonica rice 100g
- Salt 5g
- MSG or chicken powder a pinch
- Sesame oil 5ml
Steps
Japonica rice: Rinse and soak in water for 30 minutes to allow the grains to absorb water and cook more easily into a creamy texture. Spinach (Critical) : Remove roots and yellow leaves, rinse thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until it softens and darkens in color. Blanching removes most oxalates, reduces astringency, and prevents interference with calcium absorption. Remove and plunge into cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and cut into 0.5-1cm sections.
Add sufficient water to a clay pot or soup pot (rice-to-water ratio approximately 1:8 to 1:10) and bring to a boil. Add the soaked japonica rice. Return to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the rice grains bloom and the porridge becomes thick and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the porridge base is ready, add the chopped spinach and continue simmering over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the spinach is fully incorporated. Season with salt (a pinch of MSG or chicken powder can be added for extra flavor), and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil for aroma (optional). Stir well, turn off the heat, and serve warm for the best flavor.
TCM Notes
Spinach: Rich in β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, calcium, potassium, and other nutrients. Its iron content provides auxiliary therapeutic benefits for iron-deficiency anemia; its rich dietary fiber helps moisten the intestines and relieve constipation. In TCM, spinach is known to moisten dryness, nourish the liver, and benefit the intestines and stomach, with auxiliary effects on headaches, dizziness, and hypertension caused by liver-yin deficiency. Japonica rice: Tonifies the middle, strengthens the spleen and stomach, provides carbohydrates and energy – when paired with spinach, it makes the nourishing effects mild and sustained. Together, they achieve the synergistic effects of harmonizing the middle, promoting bowel movements, nourishing blood, and moistening dryness.
Suitable for：Those with weak constitution or chronic constipation Those with iron-deficiency anemia Those with hemorrhoid bleeding Those with habitual constipation or senile constipation Those with hypertension (as adjunctive therapy) General population as a daily wellness porridge
Not suitable for：Those with deficiency-cold and diarrhea (frequent loose stools, chronic diarrhea, cold sensitivity) – should avoid Those with loose stools or diarrhea – use with caution Those allergic to spinach Those taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) : Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which may interfere with drug efficacy – consult a doctor
