Soothing Ginger Rice Congee for Pregnancy Nausea Relief
Ginger Congee
Ultra-gentle rice congee with ginger to calm pregnancy nausea and comfort the stomach.
Nutrition (per serving)
This plain rice congee is one of my favorite gentle go-tos when nausea creeps in during pregnancy. It’s simple, warm, and calming — the rice breaks down into a silky porridge that’s easy on the stomach while a whisper of fresh ginger helps settle queasy feelings without being overpowering.
I wrote this recipe for anyone who needs comfort food that’s mild, nourishing, and reassuring. You’ll be surprised how few ingredients you need to make something truly soothing — and how quickly it can become a trusted reset when appetite and tolerance are low.
Ingredients
- Short-grain white rice, rinsed:1/2 cups
- Water:6 cups
- Fresh ginger (about 1-inch knob), peeled and thinly sliced:1 pieces
- Salt:1/2 tsp
- Low-sodium chicken broth (optional, for extra nourishment):1 cups
- Toasted sesame oil (optional, for finishing):1 tsp
- Thinly sliced scallion (optional, for garnish):1 pieces
- Cracked white pepper (optional):1/8 tsp
Instructions
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Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear; drain.
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In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice, water, and the sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so the pot is at a very gentle simmer. Partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice breaks down and the mixture is creamy — about 45–60 minutes. Add more water if it becomes too thick.
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If using chicken broth, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through and add nourishment.
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Remove and discard the ginger slices if desired, then season the congee with salt to taste. For a mild finish, stir in a small drizzle of sesame oil.
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Ladle into bowls and top with a few sliced scallions or a light grind of white pepper if tolerated. Serve warm in small spoonfuls, sipping gently until nausea eases.
Tips & Notes
- Use a 1:12 rice-to-water ratio for very smooth, soup-like congee; reduce water for thicker porridge.
- Grate a little ginger instead of slicing if you want a stronger ginger presence, but keep it light during pregnancy to avoid overwhelming the stomach.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of water or broth — congee thickens as it cools, and thinning it makes it easier to eat when appetite is low.
