Savory Chinese rice porridge

Savory Chinese rice porridge, or congee, is a comforting breakfast dish that features creamy rice cooked slowly in broth until soft and velvety. Topped with scallions, pickles, and a drizzle of sesame oil, it’s a hearty start to the day.

Chinese · 70 min · 4 servings · Olena K.

Ingredients

• 200 g rice, jasmine or short-grain
• 1.5 L water or chicken broth
• 2 cm ginger, sliced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• to taste pickled vegetables
• to taste salt

Method

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water (or broth), and ginger slices.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the mixture is creamy.
4. Remove the ginger slices and season the porridge with salt and soy sauce to taste.
5. Ladle the porridge into bowls and top with chopped scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and pickled vegetables.
6. Serve warm and enjoy as a nourishing breakfast.

• Wonton soup
• Braised pork belly with soy sauce
• Scallion pancakes
• Chrysanthemum tea
• Dan dan noodles