Congees
Scallion, Jujube & Chicken Congee (Congbai Dazao Jirou Zhou)
Scallion, Jujube & Chicken Congee is a classic medicinal porridge rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, primarily designed for wind-cold type colds and allergic rhinitis. Scallion whites are pungent and dispersing, unblocking yang energy and treating mild wind-cold colds with no sweating; red jujubes tonify the middle and nourish blood; chicken warms the middle, benefits qi, and supplements essence; ginger warms the stomach, disperses cold, and promotes sweating. Together, they achieve the effects of tonifying deficiency, dispelling cold, inducing sweating to release the exterior, and unblocking the nasal passages. The congee is smooth and creamy, with a fragrant blend of scallion and jujube—savory, soft, and suitable for all ages.
Main Ingredients
- Japonica rice 100g
- Chicken with bone 100g
- Red jujubes (Chinese dates) 10 pieces
- Scallion whites 5-10g
- Fresh ginger 10g
- Cilantro 10g
- Salt to taste
Steps
Rinse 100g of japonica rice; pit 10 red jujubes; dice or chop 100g of chicken; slice 10g of fresh ginger; shred 5-10g of scallion whites; cut 10g of cilantro into sections.
Place the rinsed rice, pitted jujubes, diced chicken, and ginger slices into a pot. Add about 1000-1500ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmerfor about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the rice grains bloom and the congee becomes thick and creamy.
When the congee is done, add the shredded scallion whites and cilantro sections. Add salt to taste and stir well. once daily. For early-stage wind-cold colds, take for 3-5 consecutive days for noticeable relief.
TCM Notes
Scallion Whites: Rich in vitamin C, which helps dilate blood vessels and promote circulation; contain allicin with antibacterial properties. Red Jujubes: Rich in vitamin C and minerals, helping boost immunity; contain cyclic AMP that helps regulate allergic reactions. Chicken: Provides high-quality protein and trace elements to maintain immunity; sweet in taste and warm in nature, it strengthens and boosts immunity. Fresh Ginger: Promotes local blood circulation. Synergistic Effect: Rice acts as a carrier for slow release of medicinal compounds, aligning with the TCM concept of "nourishing through congee". The combination of chicken and scallion both tonifies the spleen without trapping pathogens and induces sweating without damaging the body's integrity. Total approx. 350-450 kcal – a warming medicinal porridge rich in carbohydrates and protein.
Suitable for：Those with early-stage wind-cold colds (chills, fever, headache, nasal congestion with clear discharge, sneezing without sweating, thin white tongue coating) Those with wind-cold type allergic rhinitis (nasal itching, stuffiness, frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, profuse clear nasal discharge, possibly with headache and tinnitus) Those with weak constitution and prone to colds Those with chronic rhinitis of the wind-cold type Elderly individuals (soft and easy to digest, helps maintain vascular health)
Not suitable for：Those with wind-heat colds or rhinitis (high fever, sore throat, yellow nasal discharge/phlegm, thirst) – warm-pungent ingredients may worsen symptoms Those with exterior deficiency and excessive sweating – this congee induces sweating and may worsen the condition Those with food stagnation Those with fever – use with caution Diabetes patients – red jujubes are high in sugar; consume with caution Those allergic to poultry protein or cilantro Those with damp-heat conditions, jaundice, or dysentery – jujubes may promote dampness Avoid raw and cold foods during the consumption period
