Congee

Congee is a traditional Chinese dish that takes the form of a rice porridge, very versatile and customizable according to tastes and available ingredients. Here’s how to prepare a basic version of Congee:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 8-10 cups of water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, grated fresh ginger, fresh herbs, pieces of cooked chicken or pork, hard-boiled egg, fermented soybean, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other ingredients as desired

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice under running water to remove the excess starch.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice with water or broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape.
4. Cook for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water or broth if the congee becomes too thick.
5. Season with salt to taste, and continue cooking until the rice has almost completely broken down and reached a creamy consistency.
6. Serve the congee hot, garnished with the toppings you have chosen.

Curiosities

Congee is a very comforting dish, particularly appreciated during the cold months or in case of illness. In Chinese culture, it is often associated with beneficial health and digestion properties. Moreover, it is not only served for breakfast but also at other times of the day, especially in situations where a light and nutritious meal is desired.

If you want an Italian touch, you might, for example, garnish your congee with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some grated Parmesan cheese to add a pinch of Mediterranean flavor.