Lotus Seed Congee with Lily Bulbs

Improve Sleep with Lotus Seed Congee with Lily Bulbs

In Chinese medicine, lily bulbs are used to soothe the mind, calm the nerves, and improve sleep. Lotus seeds are utilized as spleen and kidneys supplement in traditional Chinese food therapy. Longan pulp provides extra energy. This sweet and fresh congee combines the benefits of these three superfoods and is believed to be a recipe that can help those suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

Advice from the Master Chef

Select large, plump lotus seeds for use in this congee recipe, and add sugar according to personal preference for sweetness.

Wonderful Chinese Lotus Seed Congee With Lily Bulbs

Ingredients

3/4 cup (150 grams) sticky (glutinous) rice
2 ounces (50 grams) lotus seeds (opened)
2 ounces (50 grams) fresh lily bulbs
1 ounce (30 grams) dried longan pulp

Seasonings

crystallized rock sugar, to taste
salt, to taste

Please see measurements in grams to be more exact for all ingredients and seasonings.

Cooking Directions

Wash and rinse the sticky rice.
Wash and separate the lotus seeds and longan pulp.
Pry apart the lily bulbs, rolling between the fingers with a small amount of salt to wash.
Add the rice, lotus seeds, and longan pulp to a pot of water, and bring to boil. Turn to low heat and continue to cook for approximately 20 minutes.
Add the lily bulbs to the pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes, adding crystallized rock sugar as needed.