Congee

Congee is a type of creamy, nourishing Chinese rice porridge or gruel. You can enjoy this comfort food as a savory breakfast or add sweetener if desired for a sweet treat. It’s prepared by cooking rice in a large volume of liquid so the rice kernels break down into a mush. Congee is also considered a healing food that can be served to anyone who needs something easy to digest. This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

1 cup sushi rice
2 quarts unsalted chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional: 1 inch knob fresh ginger, peeled, sliced

Add the rice, salt, broth, and ginger to a large stock pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently so the rice doesn’t stick, until you get a thick oatmeal-like consistency. This may take 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Taste and season with salt to your liking.

Serve with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, some chopped green onion, a soft boiled egg, some chopped chicken. For extra flavor, stir in some nutritional yeast, coconut aminos, or tamari.