- Course: Appetizer, Main Course
- Skill Level: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Favorited: 23 Times
“Asian savory rice porridge” would be a fairly accurate description, here. Also, it is one of the finest hangover foods I know, although deeply comforting at any time. For a truly authentic taste, try to find Chinese sesame oil, chili oil, and light soy sauce (a superior brand in each case).
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup jasmine rice
- 4 to 6 cups stock
- 7 thick slices fresh ginger (unpeeled)
- 3 tablespoons Chinese Shao-xing rice wine
For the garnishes:
- 3 or 4 bok choy, or similar Chinese greens, steamed until tender, then sliced
- 4 or 5 large garlic cloves, peeled, thinly sliced, and gently fried in a little oil until pale golden and lightly crisp
- 2 or 3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- Shredded fresh ginger, steeped in rice vinegar
- 2 fresh, large green chiles (generally milder than red ones), sliced
To finish:
- Light soy sauce
- Toasted sesame oil and/or chili oil
Directions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, mix together the rice, 4 cups stock, and the ginger and bring up to a simmer. Cover and cook very gently indeed (a heat diffuser mat is helpful), for at least 1 hour or maybe longer, stirring from time to time; the desired consistency should be that of porridge, and with the rice and stock harmoniously married; you may need more stock to get it just right. As ever, practice makes perfect. (You may also prefer to cook it in a very low oven, covered, but it must be finished on the cooktop.)
Naturally, the rice will be overcooked almost to the point of submission. Once you are happy with its consistency, fish out the ginger and discard, then add the rice wine and stir in.
To finish the congee, ladle it into bowls, distribute the garnishes as you see fit, then trickle on a little of the soy and oils.
© 2009 Simon Hopkinson
Note from Cookstr's Editors
Nutritional information is based on 4 servings, but does not include garnishes or light soy sauce or toasted sesame oil to finish.




