Black Sesame and Lily Bulb congee

I came across this nourishing combination at the end of the semester as my yin reserves were depleting..

Bai He (dried white lily bulb), is sweet and slightly cold in nature. It moistens the Lung and clears heat from the heart. It can be used to treat chronic cough due to Lung Yin deficiency, chronic low grade fever, insomnia with abundance of dreams, irritability and restlessness. Black sesame strengthens the liver and kidney systems, as well as moistens the intestines to relieve constipation.

This congee is good for those with a dry cough, insomnia, irritability, menopause with hot flushes, eyesight problems or constipation. For those familiar with Chinese Medicine principles this dish is good for nourishing yin and blood, tonifying qi and calming the spirit. It clears lung and heart heat, nourishes liver, kidney and stomach yin.

Ingredients
1/2 cup short grain brown rice
1/4 cup black sesame seeds
10g of Bai He (dried white lily bulb) (soaked overnight)
10g Chinese Wolfberries
honey to taste (optional)

Method
Grind the uncooked rice and black sesame together in a food processor into a fine powder. Soak overnight if you can, as this will make it more digestible and give you a shorter cooking time in the morning. Place the ground brown rice and black sesame into a pot with the dried lily bulb and wolfberries, adding enough water just to cover. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue adding water (about 1/4 cup at a time) as the rice absorbs. Cooking time all up should take about 1/2 an hour to 40 mins, until the rice becomes a tender, porridge-like consistency. Top with honey for a little sweetness if desired!