Eight Treasure Congee

This 8 ingredient, sweet Eight Treasure Congee is A Traditional, Healthy Chinese Porridge. Easily made in a crockpot Or Instant Pot, this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, a variety of grains, and a ton of plant-based protein. Serve as a nutritious breakfast or even as a side for lunch or dinner. Vegan. Gluten-Free. 

Eight Treasures Congee or La Ba Congee (八宝粥) was one of my favorite sweet porridges growing up! 

This porridge is traditionally eaten during the Chinese Laba Festival (腊八节), a commemoration of the enlightenment of Buddha. Legend has it, that he meditated so deeply that he forgot to eat and a kind woman saved his life with this rice porridge, allowing him to continue meditation and reach enlightenment.

In Chinese tradition, the Laba Festival is a time to spend with your loved ones and pray for good health and peace in the coming year. 

Growing up, my grandma would make a variety of versions of this healing dish year-round. She is one of my biggest influences in my functional medicine background and love for Chinese food. She would always include a variety of multi-colored grains, beans, and nuts in our meals. 

I truly believe in the power of including these wholesome ingredients in your diet and had to share this easy recipe with you all! 

If you love trying new Chinese recipes, you’ll love my Chinese Sweet and Sour Ribs, Authentic Chinese Sticky Tofu, and Chinese Scallion Pancakes.

Benefits of Eight Treasure Congee

Affordable

This Congee recipe has 8 ingredients, but many people make it with much less. The main ingredients are rice and water – everything else just adds to the flavor and decadence! 

Gut Healing

Congee is the food of love, health, and positivity! 

You might not think of rice as healing, but Congee has long been a traditional Chinese medicine for the digestive tract. 

The stomach receives our food, but the spleen is where our food breaks down. In Chinese theory, the spleen needs heat to fire up the digestive system – the warmth from the Congee supports this function.   

Since the rice is cooked with a higher ratio of water to grain, it turns into mush and is extremely hydrating as well as gentle on the GI system – perfect for people with GI issues, babies, and those who are sick. 

Nutrient Dense

Black Rice

Black rice is one of the highest rices in protein and is also a good source of fiber, iron, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that it may lower blood sugar and boost heart health. 

Learn more about the health benefits of black rice here.

Adzuki Beans

Due to the amount of fiber and starch, adzuki beans are amazing for digestion. They promote good gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. 

Learn more about the health benefits of adzuki beans here. 

Chinese Jujubes

Chinese jujubes, also known as red dates, not only have a deliciously chewy texture, but are also amazing for your health. They are very high in vitamin C, which promotes immune functioning. And they are also a great source of potassium, which balances electrolytes. 

Learn more about the health benefits of jujubes here.

Served Hot or Cold

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it’s perfectly served hot or cold. Now that the days are getting warmer, I like to leave a few servings of this porridge in my fridge so that it’s ready for a quick and easy breakfast!

Simple-Clean Up

I love that you can make this recipe in a crockpot or instant pot because it means that clean-up is a breeze! With Ollie becoming more of an active toddler, recipes like this are a must for a busy mom. 

Ingredients for Eight Treasure Congee

To make this authentic Chinese porridge, all you need is 8 ingredients!

Carbs/Starch

Black rice

Rolled (or steel) oats

Healthy Fats

Azuki beans 

Black beans

Peanuts or walnuts, raw

SweeteneR and Toppings

Chinese Jujubes 

Goji Berries, optional

Rock sugar 

Water 

Substitutes FoR Eight Treasure Congee

This recipe is very customizable! Feel free to substitute the grains, beans, and sweeteners as you wish. 

Other grains that I enjoy:

Millet

Black sticky rice

Barley

Corn, raw

Other beans that I enjoy:

Mung Beans

Kidney Beans

How to Make Eight Treasure Congee

Congee can be made in a crockpot or instant pot – it’s so easy!

Crockpot

First, start by washing the rice and beans and draining them of any excess water. 

Then, add the rice, beans, oats, nuts, and water all to the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours. 

Finally, add sugar and any other sweeteners/toppings (jujubes, goji berries, etc) to taste! 

Instant pot

First, soak the beans for 4-6 hours to soften and rinse after. 

Then, add the rice, beans, oats, nuts, and water to the pot and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. 

Finish off the Congee with your favorite sweeteners and toppings. 

Yum!

Rice Cooker

Some rice cooker that has “Mixed Grain” or “Stew” functions can also be used for this porridge recipe. It usually takes between 1.5 – 2 hours.

How to Serve Eight Treasure Congee

This mouthwatering dish goes well with so many options. It’s an ideal balance of proteins, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber, which makes it perfect for breakfast or as a healthy treat. 

You can also skip the sweetener and add the Congee as a nutritious side dish to your lunch or dinner. 

Either way, feel free to get creative with toppings! I’ve seen Congee topped with fruit, eggs, vegetables, seeds, and more – the opportunities are endless. 

How to Store Eight Treasure Congee

Once it’s cooled, you can store your delicious Congee in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

I think it tastes even better the next day! 

And for you mamas out there: YES you can freeze it! Simple remove from the freezer to thaw and then warm to your desired temperature. 

What other traditional Chinese recipes would you like to see next? Leave a comment below and I’d love to share my family recipes with you!

I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS

OTHER Authentic Chinese RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

1. Hot And Sour Soup

2. Cornflour Sponge Cake

3. Chinese Scallion Pancakes