Have you ever complained that your congee isn't thick enough or flavorful enough? Must these problems only be solved by adding "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.
For fragrance, add nuts
Peanuts, melon seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds all contain large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, which can make the congee more fragrant. It should be noted that roasted nuts should be added just before the congee is done cooking, so that their fragrance is not destroyed by prolonged boiling. Chopping nuts like peanuts and walnuts into small pieces yields even better results.
For thickness, add glutinous ingredients
Black sticky rice, glutinous rice, and yellow broomcorn millet are rich in amylopectin, which acts as a natural thickener once cooked. However, these ingredients can easily cause blood sugar levels to rise. Diabetics who want to drink thick congee can add oats. Their rich beta-glucan is also a natural thickener and helps control blood sugar and blood lipids.
For sweetness, add red dates
Red dates, raisins, longan pulp, and lotus seeds all contain high levels of sugar, which can add a sweet fragrance to the congee, but diabetics should drink it in moderation. It should be noted that the lotus seed cores must be removed before cooking.
Brown Rice, Red Date, and Almond Congee