With regards to comfort food, congee has got the pedigree that is included with a lengthy history. Congee, or jook, is really a Chinese porridge of steamed grain flavored with a multitude of condiments and toppings. Referred to as “chok” in Thailand, “babaw” in Cambodia, “san byohk” in Burma, or “cháo” in Vietnam, congee and it is variations happen to be a culinary staple throughout Asia for centuries. This soothing dish, which started in an effort to utilize leftover grain, grew to become an essential dish on its own and versions of congee are offered like a side dish or meal any time, based on its toppings.
Since the soft grain is simple to digest, congee might be offered to infants or even the seniors in order to soothe an upset belly, especially with the help of natural treatments like ginger root or mint leaves. Although its soothing qualities are apparent, congee in the great shape is usually a savory dish and could be modified to impress any palate in the morning, supper or instead of conventional grain on any plate.
When the porridge continues to be cooked to some preferred consistency (sometimes thick, sometimes soupy), the options are endless. Preserved eggs known as “century eggs,” pickled or fresh garden vegetables, herbs, sea food or shredded meat are normal toppings, but congee might be created using almost anything that appeals. Although enjoyed all over the world, savory porridge might take getting accustomed to like a breakfast food. If preferred, fruit or coconut milk may be used to satisfy an earlier morning sweet tooth.
Congee can be created around the stovetop and lots of grain cookers possess a setting for that famous porridge, but we prefer to really make it utilizing a slow oven. Left to burble away at night time, an even and smooth breakfast is available to become capped with whatever is on hands. Because of the surplus of eggs supplied by our trusty backyard chickens along with a kitchen filled with pickled vegetables, there are many options.
Fundamental congee can be created using nothing more than water and grain, but using chicken stock adds tremendous flavor for an easy-to-make meal that starts (or ends) your day off right.
Slow Oven Congee
- 1 cup grain
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine grain, broth and salt in slow oven and prepare at low heat 8 hrs.
- Poached egg
- Shredded beef, pork or chicken
- Fresh or pickled vegetables
- Cooked vegetables (green spinach, kale, collards, etc.)
- Grated ginger root
- Fresh herbs
- Soy sauce, hot sauce or chili paste