Now that the weather here in Seattle is finally taking a turn for the colder and the temperature is going down each day, my body craves naturally warming and hearty food, especially to start my hectic day. I need simple and fulfilling food like noodle soups and my favorite comfort food, congee.
What is congee? It is a rice porridge; It boils rice in water until the texture becomes creamy and thick, or rice porridge. This meal is a staple of many Asian countries' breakfast food. There are many congee recipes out there. Still, many of these recipes share the basics ingredients: rice, water, and ginger. Still, they are also flavored with many different choices of toppings, such as vegetables, Chinese donuts, fish, eggs, and many kinds of ingredients. This rice porridge is comfort food, so simple yet delicious, and you can serve it anytime.
Ingredients:
1 cup of Jasmine rice, rinsed 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger Four boneless and skinless chicken thighs cut into a square shape. 4 garlic cloves, minced 6 cup chicken stock 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of mushroom seasoning or half a teaspoon of sugar (optional)
Instruction:
Bring rice, ginger, garlic, and chicken stock to a large pot boil— salt and mushroom seasoning. Once boiling, reduces heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, occasionally stirring, for one and a half hours or until it has a thick, soup-creamy consistency and the rice is broken down. When it is too thick, add more water or stock to get back to your desired consistency.
While congee is cooking, make fried shallot and eggs omelet.
For crispy shallot:
fried shallot thinly sliced
sunflower oil
Pink Himalayan salt
Combine the thinly sliced shallots and oil in a small saucepan. Add a little oil as necessary, enough to cover the shallots. Over medium, cook the shallot for 5 minutes or until slightly brown—season with a pinch of salt.
For Eggs Omelet: 2 eggs, water, salt, and pepper Instructions: Whisk eggs, water, salt, and pepper. Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. When eggs are almost set on the surface, turn them over, cook for a minute, then slide the omelet onto a plate. Roll the omelet and thinly slice.
Serve with topping:
Green onion (thinly sliced)
Celery (thinly sliced)
Fresh Mushroom
Sausage
Omelet
Fried Shallot
Sambal Oelek or Sriracha (optional )
Soy sauce
Jalapeno sliced
Carrots
Bacon
Smoked Salmon
Shrimp
You can choose any topping you wish to have.
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you are enjoying your weekend with your family and friends!
Much Love,