Chinese Congee is a classic rice porridge known for its comforting and soothing qualities, making it an ideal choice for a peaceful start to the day. With origins in China, this breakfast staple is often enjoyed as a warm, nourishing bowl that can be customized with a variety of toppings, making it a versatile and satisfying breakfast option.
| Country | China |
| Degree of Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Type of Food | Breakfast |
| Cooking Time | 1.5 hours |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 people |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice (jasmine or long-grain)
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Optional toppings: green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, fried garlic, fried shallots, century eggs, peanuts, and more
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
- In a large pot, add the rinsed rice, water or chicken broth, and the sliced ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the congee simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The congee will gradually thicken and become creamy.
- Season the congee with salt to taste.
- Serve the congee hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, fried garlic, or century eggs.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving – without toppings)
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0.25g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Customize your congee with a variety of toppings like green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, fried garlic, or century eggs.
Tips or Variations:
- Use chicken broth for added flavor, or keep it vegetarian with water and seasonings.
- Adjust the cooking time for your preferred congee consistency; longer cooking will result in a creamier texture.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Congee, known by various names, is a popular dish in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Allergen Checklist:
- This basic congee recipe is suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- If using chicken broth or specific toppings, be mindful of individual dietary preferences and allergies
