Sweet Nourishing Congee Recipe for Postpartum Healing and Comfort

Bowl of sweet congee

This sweet congee (rice porridge) is exactly that — infused with warming spices, iron-rich sweetness, and nourishing fats — pure, gentle comfort in a bowl.

Whether you’re healing after birth, needing a little extra self-care, or simply having one of those days when you crave something soft, sweet, and soul-soothing, this sweet congee is a beautiful way to nourish both your body and spirit.

Why Sweet Congee?

Congee is already beloved for being easy to digest, hydrating, and grounding — everything a new mama (or anyone in a tender season) needs.

Adding warming spices, gentle sweetness, and healthy fats transforms it into a healing, strengthening, almost dessert-like meal — one that deeply replenishes without feeling heavy or overwhelming.

It’s rich in iron (thanks to the raw sugar or jaggery), deeply hydrating, and infused with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom — all of which help support circulation, digestion, and gentle healing.

Ingredients:

• 16 cups water

• 1 cup organic basmati rice

• 2 cups dark, iron-rich raw sugar, brown sugar, or jaggery (see my note below!)

• 1/2 cup ghee, butter, or coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

• 1/2 teaspoon clove powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

• 1 teaspoon ground rose petals

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool water until the water runs clear.

2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water to a boil.

3. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and reduce to a gentle simmer.

4. Let the rice simmer without a lid, stirring occasionally, for about 2–3 hours, until the rice breaks down and the mixture begins to thicken.

5. When the rice has thickened, stir in the sugar, spices, and half of the ghee (or butter/coconut oil).

6. Continue to cook and stir as needed, until the porridge is thick, silky, and gelatinous.

7. Stir in the remaining ghee just before serving.

8. Serve warm — and let every bite feel like a hug.

A Few Notes:

Adjust the Sweetness:

The original recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar — but I personally use half as much (about 1 cup) and find it perfectly sweet without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust based on your preference and who you’re making it for.

*Jaggery, which is my preferred sweetener, is especially rich in iron and adds a deeper, more complex flavor compared to regular sugar.

Don’t Rush It:

The magic happens when you cook it low and slow. Let the rice truly melt into the water — that’s where the deep nourishment comes from.

Spices Are Medicine:

Every spice in this recipe was chosen intentionally. They gently warm digestion, build and nourish the blood, support circulation, and lift the spirits.

In those tender moments after birth — or anytime you need a little extra comfort — a bowl of this sweet, golden congee can be pure magic.

From my heart (and kitchen) to yours,

Sumer