Yam & Job’s Tears Congee

Name: Yam & Job’s Tears Congee
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 bowls
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Chinese yam (fresh) — 1 cup, diced; Job's tears (coix seed) — 1/2 cup; Rice — 1/2 cup; Water — 8 cups; Red dates — 4 pieces; Salt or honey — to taste

Earth Element · 土 Sweet Neutral

In Chinese food therapy, the Spleen loves routine — and this congee is the routine my family turns to when digestion needs a gentle reset.

Prep 70 min

Servings 4 bowls

Element Earth 土

Total 70 min

By FiveFlavor Kitchen Reviewed by Dr. M. Wu, L.Ac. Updated August 17, 2026

Why This Elixir Works

Chinese yam is sweet and neutral, entering the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. Job's tears is sweet and cool, supporting the Spleen while helping the body clear dampness. Together they are the archetypal "Spleen congee."

Earth element · Sweet phase of the five-flavor cycle

Ingredients

Chinese yam (fresh) 1 cup, diced
Job's tears (coix seed) 1/2 cup
Rice 1/2 cup
Water 8 cups
Red dates 4 pieces
Salt or honey to taste

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The Refining Process

Step 1
Soak job's tears 1 hour (or overnight).
Step 2
Combine job's tears, rice, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 40 minutes.
Step 3
Add diced yam and red dates. Simmer 20 more minutes until soft and silky.
Step 4
Season with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey. Serve warm.

Alchemist's Note

Grounding and neutral-to-cool. Educational purposes only.

Chinese yam and job’s tears (coix seed) are the two most traditional grains for Spleen support. Simmered into congee, they become a softly sweet, deeply grounding bowl.