Asian rice porridge: The digestive-boosting breakfast you never knew you needed
Our grandmothers were well aware of the restorative properties of rice porridge, often serving it up during bouts of stomach problems, intestinal flus, and other similar discomforts. Yet, it's a common part of Asian cuisine, often served for breakfast. The dish, known as Congee, presents a wholesome way to start the day, a stark contrast to the sweetness of oatmeal and breakfast cereals.
A Breakfast That's Kind to Your Digestive System
Congee might not emulate the porridge of our childhood, instead offering savory notes with ingredients like meat, eggs, and vegetables. Its name translates to "rice - water," succinctly describing the simplicity of the dish. Despite its simplicity of largely overcooked rice, Congee is easy to digest and very satiating.
The long-cooked rice in Congee is easily digestible and non-irritating to the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes. It also contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for their health and regeneration. This makes rice porridge especially beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, or autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
How to make Congee
Ingredients:
- 7 oz of rice
- 0.53 gallons of water
Method of Preparation:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water.
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the cleaned rice to the boiling water.
- Simmer on low heat for 4 hours, covered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
Rice porridge pairs perfectly with a variety of ingredients. Possible add-ons include chopped herbs, roasted vegetables, or a softly boiled egg. Meats like broth-cooked meatballs or steamed fish pieces also work well. Spices such as ginger or pepper can be utilized to enhance the flavor.
For a sweet twist, you can add your favorite dried or fresh fruits and nuts to Congee.
