Congee is widely popular in TCM cuisine! Great for digestion, its also packed with fiber and nutrients. Many of us in the U.S. do not have access to the traditional herbs and grains, so here I’m sharing a modified, fusion congee made with easy-to-get ingredients. With the added boost from our Better Than Coffee Culinary TCM Tonic Bag, It is an ideal breakfast dish that will give sustained fullness and energy through long mornings.
In a pot, steep 1 tonic bag and the dried mushrooms with 3 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes.
In another pot, sauté chopped fresh mushrooms with olive oil, ginger, and kale. Add a splash of soy sauce and cook until fragrant.
Add in oats, sesame, and the mushroom-tonic stock. Stir and bring to boil.
Add tahini, maple syrup, protein powder. Make sure they dissolve properly.
Cook for another 5 minutes until oatmeal is soft and absorbs most of the liquid. Season with sea salt or soy sauce. Make sure to taste and adjust!
You can adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your preferred consistency. I like my porridge to be on the thicker side. It’s flexible! Don’t be afraid to add more liquid midway or cook longer to let the water evaporate.
Combining Pearl Barley and Azuki Beans together, this porridge benefits the spleen, takes out dampness, and makes you feel lighter in summer without having to go on a juice cleanse!
