Silky Sesame Congee
Silky Sesame Congee, also known as Jook, is a delightful and comforting rice porridge that warms the soul. Adapted from Mark Bittman's renowned culinary tome, 'The Best Recipes in the World', this dish uniquely shines with its additional ingredients. The versatility of congee allows it to be tailored to your liking—choose between wholesome vegetables, savory meats, or fresh seafood to enhance its flavor profile. For the ultimate experience, craft your own homemade chicken stock; the minimal ingredients truly call for quality. Enjoy Silky Sesame Congee as a nourishing breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or as part of an elaborate Chinese feast. Let your creativity flow with the optional toppings to personalize each bowl. Perfect for sharing, this dish can serve a group or provide comforting leftovers.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Short-grain rice
1/2 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Glutinous rice
1/2 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Chicken stock
2 cups (Preferably homemade)
Fresh ginger
3 inches (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Thick slab bacon
1/4 lb (Optional, can be crisped and used as garnish)
Minced scallion
1/4 cup (Freshly chopped for garnish)
Minced crisp-cooked bacon
1/4 cup (Optional, for garnish)
Roasted peanuts
1/2 cup (Optional, for garnish)
Dark sesame oil
To taste (For drizzling on top)
Instructions
1
Rinse both types of rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2
In a large stockpot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of chicken stock (or water) over high heat. Bring to a vigorous boil.
3
Once boiling, add an additional quart (4 cups) of water and return to a boil.
4
Lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook for approximately 90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After 90 minutes, incorporate the chopped ginger and slab bacon (if using) into the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional hour, stirring as necessary. If the congee becomes too thick, gradually stir in extra water until the desired creamy, soupy consistency is achieved.
6
Once fully cooked, remove the slab bacon (if used) and chop it into smaller pieces if desired. Serve the congee in individual bowls.
7
Garnish each bowl generously with minced scallions, crispy bacon bits (if included), roasted peanuts, and a light drizzle of dark sesame oil for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Sesame Congee?
Silky Sesame Congee, also known as Jook, is a comforting and nourishing rice porridge often served for breakfast or as part of a Chinese feast.
Who is the original author that inspired this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Mark Bittman's renowned culinary book, 'The Best Recipes in the World'.
What types of rice are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of 1/2 cup of short-grain rice and 1/2 cup of glutinous rice.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse both types of rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear and then drain them well.
How much chicken stock is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chicken stock, preferably homemade for the best quality and flavor.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of 2 cups of water if chicken stock is not available.
How much fresh ginger should be added?
The recipe requires 3 inches of fresh ginger that has been peeled and roughly chopped.
Is bacon a necessary ingredient?
Bacon is optional; the recipe mentions using 1/4 lb of thick slab bacon for simmering and 1/4 cup of minced crisp-cooked bacon for garnish.
What is the initial cooking process for the rice?
Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of stock or water over high heat and bring to a vigorous boil, then add 4 more cups of water and return to a boil.
How long should the congee simmer initially?
After the second boil, lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook for approximately 90 minutes while stirring occasionally.
When do I add the ginger and bacon?
The chopped ginger and optional slab bacon should be incorporated into the pot after the initial 90 minutes of simmering.
How much additional time is needed after adding the ginger?
Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional hour after adding the ginger and bacon.
What should I do if the congee becomes too thick?
Gradually stir in extra water until you achieve your desired creamy and soupy consistency.
How do I prepare the slab bacon for serving?
Once fully cooked, remove the slab bacon from the pot and chop it into smaller pieces to be served in the individual bowls.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with minced scallions, crispy bacon bits, roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of dark sesame oil.
How much dark sesame oil should be used?
The dark sesame oil should be drizzled on top of each bowl to taste.
Can I add vegetables to this congee?
Yes, the congee is versatile and can be tailored with wholesome vegetables to your liking.
Is it possible to add seafood to the recipe?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh seafood.
What quantity of roasted peanuts is suggested?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts as an optional garnish.
How many scallions are needed for garnish?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced scallions.
What is the total estimated simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 2.5 hours (90 minutes plus an additional hour).
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful and comforting dish that warms the soul.
Can this dish be served for lunch?
Yes, Silky Sesame Congee is suitable for a nourishing breakfast or a satisfying lunch.
Is homemade stock highly recommended?
Yes, because the recipe has minimal ingredients, using quality homemade chicken stock is recommended for the ultimate experience.
What is the purpose of stirring the pot during simmering?
Stirring occasionally is necessary to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How should the pot be covered during simmering?
The pot should be partially covered while the congee simmers.
Is glutinous rice the same as short-grain rice?
No, they are different types of rice, and this recipe uses a half-cup of each to achieve its specific texture.
Does the recipe provide specific nutritional information?
No, the provided data shows null values for calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include congee, jook, rice porridge, Chinese breakfast, and comfort food.
Can I save the leftovers?
Yes, the dish is perfect for sharing and can provide comforting leftovers.