Rice porridge, also known as congee, is a comforting and versatile dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. Often served as a breakfast or brunch meal, congee is made by simmering rice in water or broth until it reaches a creamy and porridge-like consistency. This simple dish can be enhanced with various ingredients, creating a wide range of flavorful and satisfying variations.
In this article, we present three delectable congee recipes that showcase the culinary diversity of this dish. The first recipe features a classic combination of century egg and pork or chicken, resulting in a savory and protein-packed congee. The second recipe introduces a vegetarian delight, combining the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms and the vibrant colors of bell peppers. Finally, the third recipe offers a unique twist with the addition of pumpkin, creating a creamy and subtly sweet congee that is perfect for a cozy autumn morning. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes provide everything you need to create delicious and comforting congee dishes at home.
SALTED PORK CONGEE WITH CENTURY EGG
Congee, or jook in Cantonese, is a nutritious rice porridge that is usually eaten when someone isn't feeling well. The simplest version of congee is made with just rice, water and salt, so it is easily digestible and a blank slate for any flavor. There are many varieties of congee; ours focuses on the popular combination of salted pork and century egg (though you can easily make it without the egg). It is important to take the time to soak the rice so it cooks evenly and breaks down to make congee. We tested two methods for hydrating the rice grains--soaking the rice in water in the refrigerator overnight and freezing washed rice for 6 hours. We found that the refrigerator technique resulted in a creamier and more fragrant congee base.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 9h40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wash and drain the rice twice with cold water in a medium bowl. Add enough cold water to come 1 inch above the rice. Cover and soak in the refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.
- Massage 2 teaspoons of salt into the pork in a medium bowl until the salt dissolves, about 30 seconds. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.
- Add 11 cups cold water to a 7-quart Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Pour off all the water from the soaked rice. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the neutral oil and massage using a spatula or spoon until the oil and salt are well distributed and most of the rice grains are broken.
- Rinse the pork strips under running water to remove excess salt and drain.
- Add the rice and pork to the boiling water. Bring back up to a rolling boil, stirring continuously, about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes using a wooden spatula, until the mixture has thickened, the rice grains have broken down and the texture is similar to the consistency of cooked grits, 50 to 70 minutes. (To thin out the consistency, add warm water 1/4 cup at a time. To thicken the consistency, simmer until desired thickness, about 5 minutes.)
- Stir in the century eggs if using and cook until the eggs are warmed through, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sugar, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and salt to taste.
- Divide among bowls and top with scallions, ginger and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil if desired.
PORK AND CENTURY EGG RICE CONGEE
This traditional Chinese breakfast rice porridge is filling, cheap, warming, and oh so good. I like my rice well broken down and therefore use a short-grain rice and a longer cooking time. I hope you enjoy! Serve hot in small bowls, garnished with a drop of oyster sauce, chopped scallion greens, and small slices of yau ja gwai (fried chinese bread stick, or chinese crullers).
Provided by Lea Eats
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes
Time 3h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water. Drain completely in a mesh strainer and place into a large pot. Stir the vegetable oil into the rice and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Stir 6 cups of water, the bouillon cube, char siu, and green onion into the rice. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Stir frequently as the rice cooks to help break the rice grains apart and keep it from burning on the bottom.
- Stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and the century egg. Continue cooking another 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently until the congee reaches your desired consistency. The congee is ready when the individual grains of rice are no longer discernable and have thickened the soup.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 174.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.8 g, Cholesterol 92.4 mg, Fat 5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 220.4 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
RICE PORRIDGE (CONGEE) WITH CENTURY EGG AND PORK (OR CHICKEN)
I grew up eating a Filipino version of Congee called "Arroz Caldo". My grandmother would have lots of dark chicken meat in it and huge chunks of ginger that I would end up biting into (not fun when you're 7 years old). Since then my own kids have developed a love for the traditional Chinese-style congee (also called rice soup) they serve in restaurants, especially during cold Autumn and Winter days. Some people may be uneasy about using the 'century duck egg' (or 'thousand year old egg' is really just as egg that is preserved in salt, ash and lime) but don't judge it in it's unpeeled, chopped up state - added to the congee, it really adds a yummy complexity to this dish, even my 2yo daughter loves it. This recipe is for you if you want a warm, hearty, simple and economical meal. Enjoy! (note: I use leftover shredded chicken or pork but you can poach your own prior to making recipe, and use the ground white pepper - it really makes a difference!)
Provided by mlao77
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 1 cup, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Soak the rinsed white rice, salt and vegetable oil in the cold water for 30 minutes.
- Add the ginger and chicken broth and bring to a boil, simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally in the beginning and then more frequently near the last 10 minutes (to prevent sticking).
- Add the green onions, century eggs, and chicken or pork. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the sesame oil and ground white pepper.
- Serve the congee in bowls and garnish with a tiny drizzle of the dark soy sauce (start with a tiny bit at first, add more later if desired) and garnish with some chopped green onions.
- Enjoy!
CHINESE CHICKEN AND RICE PORRIDGE (CONGEE)
Also known as jook, congee turns up in Chinese households morning, noon, and night. This thick rendition is made heartier with the addition of chicken.
Categories Chicken Poultry Rice Breakfast Dinner Lunch Gourmet Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring chicken and water to a boil in a 5-quart heavy pot, skimming froth. Add wine, ginger, scallions, and salt and cook at a bare simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until breast meat is just cooked through. Trasfer 1 breast half with tongs to a bowl and continue to cook stock at a bare simmer, skimming froth as neccessary, 2 hours and 40 minutes. Meanwhile, cool chicken breast long enough to remove skin and bones, returning skin and bones to stock.
- Cool breast meat completely and tear into shreds. Chill shreds, covered, and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Pour stock through a large seive into a large bowl and discard solids. (you should have about 8 cups: if less, add water; if more, cook longer after adding rice.) Return stock to cleaned pot and add rice. Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered until consistency of oatmeal, about 1 3/4 hours, stirring frequently during last 1/2 hour of cooking. (Congee will continue to thicken as it stands. thin with water if necessary.)
- Season congee with salt. Serve topped with chicken and accompaniments.
Tips:
- Choose the right rice. Short-grain or medium-grain rice is best for congee, as it breaks down easily and creates a smooth, creamy texture. Jasmine rice and Calrose rice are popular choices.
- Soak the rice before cooking. This helps to remove the starch from the rice, which prevents it from becoming gummy. Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Use a large pot. Congee expands as it cooks, so it's important to use a large pot to prevent it from boiling over.
- Cook the congee over low heat. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- Stir the congee frequently. This helps to prevent the rice from clumping together and ensures that it cooks evenly.
- Season the congee to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add vegetables, meat, or eggs to the congee.
- Serve the congee hot. Congee is best served hot, with a variety of toppings such as green onions, cilantro, fried shallots, and chili oil.
Conclusion:
Congee is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its smooth, creamy texture and savory flavor, congee is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious meal, give congee a try!
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