Purple Rice & Red Bean Congee

Main Ingredients

• Purple rice (black glutinous rice) 100g
• Red beans (adzuki beans) 50g
• Red dates (jujubes) 6-8 pieces
• Dried longan aril 10g
• Rock sugar or brown sugar to taste

Steps

1. Soak 50g of red beans in water for 6-8 hours (or overnight) until fully expanded and skins slightly split. Remove any bad beans and rinse. Rinse 100g of purple rice gently 1-2 times – do not rub vigorously to avoid losing anthocyanins. Soak in water for 30 minutes after rinsing. Rinse 6-8 red dates, remove pits, and cut into small pieces. Soak 10g of dried longan aril in warm water briefly and rinse.

   

2. Place the soaked red beans, purple rice, red date pieces, and longan into a clay pot or soup pot. Add enough water (about 1200-1500ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover with a small gap to prevent overflow, and simmer for 60-90 minutes until the red beans are tender, the purple rice has bloomed, and the congee is thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   

3. Add rock sugar or brown sugar to taste 5 minutes before turning off the heat (diabetics may omit), and stir until fully dissolved. Consume warm, 1-2 times daily. Suitable as a breakfast or dinner staple.

   

TCM Notes

Purple Rice (Black Glutinous Rice) : Contains approximately 75g carbohydrates, 8g protein, and 2g dietary fiber per 100g. Rich in anthocyanins, iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. Known for nourishing yin, tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the spleen, warming the liver, and improving vision. The anthocyanins in the outer layer are powerful antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals and slow aging. Red Beans (Adzuki Beans) : Contain approximately 20g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 7.7g dietary fiber per 100g. Rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Known for promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, detoxifying, and strengthening the spleen to drain dampness. The saponins in red beans have a good diuretic effect, helping to eliminate excess water from the body. Red Dates (optional) : Contain approximately 67g carbohydrates, vitamin C, and minerals including iron and calcium per 100g of dried dates. Known for tonifying the middle, benefiting qi, and nourishing blood. Dried Longan Aril (optional) : Sweet in taste, warm in nature; enters the Heart and Spleen meridians. Known for tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. Synergistic Effect: Purple rice nourishes yin and tonifies the kidneys, red beans strengthen the spleen and promote diuresis, red dates tonify qi and nourish blood, and longan nourish the heart and calm the mind. Together, they regulate both the spleen and kidneys, tonify both qi and blood, and promote diuresis without harming the body’s integrity. Total approx. 400-450 kcal (unsweetened, entire batch), 15-18g protein – a moderate-protein, moderate-carbohydrate porridge rich in anthocyanins and dietary fiber.

Suitable for：Those with qi and blood deficiency, sallow complexion, and easy fatigue Those with anemia, postpartum weakness, or in post-illness recovery Those with edema, difficult urination, or heavy dampness Those with weak spleen and stomach, or poor appetite Post-menstrual conditioning for women General population for autumn-winter wellness and breakfast pairing

Not suitable for：Those with frequent urination or excessive urine output – red beans have a diuretic effect and may worsen symptoms Diabetes patients – purple rice is a glutinous rice with a relatively high glycemic index; red dates and longan are high in sugar; control portion size and reduce staple food intake accordingly Those with indigestion or prone to bloating – purple rice is sticky and red beans are high in fiber and gas-producing; excessive consumption may cause bloating and gas Acute gout / hyperuricemia patients – red beans have moderate purine content; avoid during flare-ups; consume sparingly during remission, and it is recommended to discard the broth Those with renal insufficiency – red beans are high in plant protein and potassium; portion size must be under medical guidance Those with phlegm-heat cough or yin deficiency with internal heat – longan and red dates are warm in nature and may promote internal heat Those with weak digestion or acid reflux – purple rice is sticky and red beans are gas-producing; may worsen discomfort Those in weight management – longan and red dates are calorie-dense; control portion size Those allergic to purple rice, red beans, or red dates Infants and young children – digestive systems are delicate; purple rice is sticky and difficult to digest. Small amounts only