Have you ever complained that your congee is not thick enough or lacks flavor? Must these problems only be solved with "food additives"? Wang Feng, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at the Fourth Military Medical University and Vice Chairman of the Shaanxi Nutrition Society, told reporters that adding some natural ingredients can also result in a fragrant and delicious congee. What can you add to make your congee more fragrant?
For fragrance, add nuts
Peanuts, melon seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds all contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which can enhance the aroma of the congee. It should be noted that roasted nuts should be added just before serving to avoid their aroma being destroyed by prolonged cooking. Chopping nuts like peanuts and walnuts into small pieces yields a better result.Walnut and Peanut Congee
For thickness, add glutinous ingredients
Glutinous rice, sticky rice, and yellow millet are rich in amylopectin, which acts as a natural thickener for the congee once cooked. However, these ingredients can easily cause blood sugar levels to rise. Diabetics who want to eat thick congee can add oats. Its rich beta-glucan is also a natural thickener and helps control blood sugar and blood lipids.Sticky Rice and Lotus Root Congee
For sweetness, add red dates
Red dates, raisins, longan pulp, and lotus seeds all contain high levels of sugar, which can add a sweet flavor to the congee, but diabetics should consume it in moderation. It should be noted that the lotus seed cores must be removed before cooking.Millet and Red Date Congee