Congee can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and leftovers freeze well.
Repeatedly, my dad says he has everything he needs and everything he wants.
But the one thing he says he misses is the ability to share a meal with his only child.
A quick Google maps search shows my dad and I are exactly 2,959 miles away from each other.
That means were a 45-hour drive from enjoying dinner together.
Theres nothing my dad enjoys more than a Chinese meal with family.
Cooking with my parents is one reason Im a cook now.
Every family has their own recipe, but Ive always thought my dads was boring.
One cup of rice, tons of water with only one sliver of ginger and salt?
So bland and flavorless.
(Cue the childish eyeroll.)
How could he eat it every day for breakfast?
Hasnt he tried scrambled eggs with herbs and avocado toast?
Doesnt he know that Ive been cooking professionally for 15 years and could help him make it taste better?
And maybe, just maybe, hell try making my version so we can share it together.
Congee is a traditional Chinese breakfast porridge made from rice simmered in water.
Essentially, its a way to stretch a little bit of rice into a meal for several people.
For many Chinese people and members of other Asian cultures, congee has become a comfort food.
Ramen, another favorite of my dads, makes a biweekly appearance.
He keeps his simple, while mine is piled high with toppings.
So, reach out to your dad and see if he wants to enjoy a meal with you.
Maybe its a shared love for Cool Ranch Doritos, or maybe its a three-course steak dinner.
Cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides, 6 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, trim scallion ends and cut the whites from the greens.
Tie the scallion whites and cilantro stems together with kitchen twine.
Slice the scallion greens and reserve for garnish.
Bring water to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Transfer the chicken, shrimp and mushrooms to a clean cutting board.
Discard skin, bones and shells.
Remove and discard the scallion bundle, ginger and garlic.
Serve the congee topped with the chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, scallion greens and chopped cilantro.
Garnish with lime wedges and spicy chili crisp, if desired.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.
