Congee is a traditional rice pudding dish popular in many Asian countries. This low calorie porridge-like dish is super easy to digest. In addition, it warms up the digestive system to give a burst of energy.

Words fail to describe my love of congee. For years, I was terrified to eat it. I mean, rice porridge doesn’t exactly sound super delicious. But when I finally did eat it, I was in love with everything about it. It is a homey, warming, super tasty alternative to same-old oatmeal. Best of all, it can be made sweet or savory with traditional toppings as well as creative ones. The sky is the limit with this one. Don’t be shy. Add whatever you want to this porridge and call it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What’s so special about rice pudding?

Congee, or rice pudding, is to Asia what chicken soup is to America. It is a staple in just about every household. Some sources say it is among the very first food given to babies, as well as the go-to choice when one is under the weather.

The dish was born from human necessity as a way of stretching a meal in times of need, when there was not enough rice to go around. It’s common to prepare congee with just one part rice to 10 parts water, flavoring the porridge with whatever remains in the pantry, essentially feeding a family with a cup of grains and leftovers.

Here is a basic congee recipe with a list of traditional toppings, as well as two unique options.

Make it a Meal

Complete this homey, comforting meal with a delicious Breakfast Toast!

If you’re trying to get a little more limonene or vitamin C in your diet, here’s a recipe for a ginger lime mocktail. It combines the power of limes and ginger for a refreshing drink that satisfies.

I enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink just like most other people. But there are times when I avoid alcohol, such as while cleansing. And let’s face it, we all get tired of drinking nothing but plain water all the time. For this reason, I enjoy creating different mocktails. Combining various spices, fruits, and even vegetables often yields a refreshing, festive drink without cheating on your cleanse.

Entertaining? It’s simple to mix up a pitcher of this Ginger Lime Mocktail for everyone!

For reasons you should use limes more often, read this! Wondering if you should use LaCroix as your sparkling water of choice for this recipe? Check out the facts here.

Love Mocktail Recipes?

Try my favorite Mockjito recipe!

Polenta is dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal, and I love that it is so versatile. It can be eaten as a side dish or used in a variety of recipes. It can be served chilled or warm, as a porridge or as a hearty bread. You can change it up quite a bit by adding a variety of toppings.

Polenta is a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates that contains a good amount of protein and fiber. This helps you feel fuller longer because digestion takes longer. Fiber is also recommended to keep the digestive system functioning properly, to feed healthy gut bacteria, and to prevent constipation. Additionally, this dish is low in calories and fat.

Cornmeal is high in carotenoids, which have many health benefits such as decreasing the risk of disease, particularly certain cancers and eye diseases.

Ways to Serve Polenta

You can serve it as a thick porridge or as a slab, similar to a crusty cornbread. The slab is perfect for serving alongside soups or saucy dishes, while the porridge is a filling, warming meal in itself. Serve it up simply, with a dollop of vegan butter, or add any variety of toppings.

Make it a Meal

Enjoy a bowl of steaming Coconut Lentil Soup with polenta for dipping!

This recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes sounds bizarre. With Brussels sprouts, grapes and shallot, it sounds like a science experiment rather than a dish. But the sweetness of the grapes, the crunchy, fattiness of the pecans and the crispiness of the sprouts all meld together beautifully. I love to cook with essential oils. Be careful when cooking with black pepper essential oil, as a little bit goes a very long way.

This is one of my favorite dishes because it can be the main character of a meal, or it works nicely as a side dish as well. Because it is soy and nightshade free, it can be enjoyed by even those who choose to avoid soy products or are sensitive to nightshades. You can easily make substitutions according to your taste or if you need to avoid nuts.

Brussels Sprouts low calorie and loaded with nutrients, such as fiber, Vitamin K, C, A, folate, and manganese. Because they are high in fiber, they improve gut health and keep things moving. Additionally, the fiber aids in the regulation of blood sugar and may even help to prevent diabetes. They are also high in antioxidants. One study found that cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts may result in a decreased cancer risk. Thankfully, there are hundreds of ways to prepare these delicious little cabbages.

Red Grapes also contain powerful antioxidants, known as polyphenols. One of these, found in the skins of the grapes, is resveratrol. Grapes are also high in fiber, adding to the benefits of eating a fiber-rich diet.

Make it a Meal

This dish is an excellent compliment – or even a topping – for Polenta.