What is Congee?

For those who have never had congee (as I know it to be), I want to share the recipe. The first time I had ever tried it was about 10 years ago and now, I dare not make it alone because I could consume the whole pot! I hope this recipe entices you to try it.

This image depicts one example of congee. As you can see, the different seasoned toppings also make this a fun meal to prepare. Source.

My history with congee

My daughter first introduced me to congee. I watched her make it and ate too much of it. It was that good — simple and very tasty. I was told this had been labeled as a poor man’s diet, and I have read it’s considered a breakfast meal in several countries. Even though I am half Asian, I have not experienced everything relative to my cultural descent. This dish, however, is now on my permanent list of recipes. Prepare it as a main meal or a side dish; it’s terrific comfort food. My mother was Japanese born in Kauai. Although I was raised in American cuisine, when other families were eating mashed potatoes and gravy, we were having rice and gravy.

The real history of congee

First, remember rice is the most common food of Asian culture and in many instances, it is consumed two to three times a day. Just as there are different variations of congee in Asia, there are also different names of this soup dependent on which country is being referenced. In China, for example, this rice dish is called congee or jook. It can be spiced up…