Fish Rice Congee

Jook or rice congee is a Chinese version of comfort food. It is most commonly eaten as breakfast or as a comfort when you are not feeling well. It is also the first solid food mothers like to introduce to their babies as it is easily swallowed. Rice congee is made of rice that is cooked in either plain or flavoured broth for a period of time to obtain soft and silky texture. Chicken, ground pork, fish or shrimps can be added as a source of protein. I have also seen other varieties of jook. Koreans like to add oysters, abalones and pine nuts into the congee. Others like to cook the congee with root vegetables. Decades ago, when rice was scarce during war time, my grandparents would mix rice congee with sweet potatoes to feed the whole family. Needless to say, it becomes my parents' favourite.

One of my favourite rice congees is fish congee. In this recipe, I use basa fillet and flavour the broth with lots of ginger. Instead of making chicken noodle soup for your cold, why don't you give rice congee a try?

Skill Level: Easy 

Serves:3 - 4

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 cup Thai jasmine rice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 can chicken broth
• 6 slices of ginger
• 1 L water
• 2 tbsp of preserved vegetables (dung chai), rinsed
• 1 pieces of Basa fillet, sliced thinly
• White pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 8-10 thin slices of ginger, cut into julienned strips
• a handful of cilantro/coriander
• Chinese pickles such as pickled cucumbers, turnips, olives
• Soy sauce 
• Sesame oil

 METHOD: 

1. Rinse and soak the uncooked rice overnight in a bowl, drain
2. Boil the water in a pot with chicken broth, preserved vegetables and ginger slices over high heat
3. Add in the rice and cook until boil. Lower heat and simmer for 3- to 40 minutes, half covered. Stir every 5 minutes
4. If the congee is too thick, you can add in hot boiling water bit by bit
5. Once the congee has turned into silky smooth texture, add in the sliced basa fillet
6. Cook for another 10 minutes
7. Serve with sesame oil, ginger, cilantro or any of your favourite toppings