Annually, on the eighth day of the twelfth month in the lunar calendar, Chinese individuals commemorate the Laba Festival, an age-old traditional celebration. During this distinct day, people craft a distinct variety of congee referred to as “Laba congee.” Diligently selecting grains, dried beans, and dried fruits, they simmer them into a pot of comforting congee. This congee encapsulates a fusion of aspirations for opulence, joy, and auspiciousness. It’s worth highlighting that if congee isn’t prepared on the Laba Festival and includes more than eight ingredients, it’s termed “Eight Treasure Congee.”
Ingredients
Instructions
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Rinse grains and mixed dried beans under cold water. Soak them in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain before using. There’s no need to soak raisins, pecans and dried jujube dates.
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In a large slow cooker, combine all the ingredients with boiling water. Add the sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar to your preferred level of sweetness. Set the slow cooker to high and simmer for 6 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
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Ladle the Laba congee into bowls and serve warm. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a nourishing breakfast.
Notes
Feel free to customize the mix of beans, fruits, and nuts according to your preferences. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency for the congee.