Tuesday, October 14, 2014

R I C E
P O R R I D G E
w/ C H I C K E N


Last week my boyfriend Todd was hit hard with the cold that comes around every fall.  You know, the one that comes with the changing, brisk temps?  Well, one thing he now knows is that whenever we feel yucky- a pot of rice porridge cures A-L-L..  

Yup, it's either this soup (also known as "khao piek khao" in Laos; "baw-baw" in Cambodian; "congee" in Chinese) or pho for breakfast on Sunday mornings for us ;)

Seriously, though.. real talk, this is one of the most soul-soothing foods ever.  The fact that it is so easy to make also soothes the soul!  As a little girl when sick I'd eat this plain with maybe a few drops of soy sauce.  No need to use much flavor if you can't taste, right?!  

There is a secret weapon though that I use for the chicken flavor... it's Knorr!  Both my parents & chefs have told me about this.  You can find this at any asian market or possibly the asian section of your local grocery store.  



I like to add any other vegetables I have to this and even add an egg if I'm feeling extra hungry.  If I had beansprouts.. there'd be beansprouts in this! Oh & the fried garlic & fried onion to top the soup is soooo very necessary! Both have such great flavors that add a new dimension to the soup.  Again, hit up your closest asian market!!



Okay, enough ramblings.  Here's the recipe for the porridge!  Get ready to have all your senses calmed by this..


Ingredients:
2 cups cooked white rice
Sliced & smashed ginger root
3 chicken tenders/ breasts
Celery (veggies are optional!)
1 tbsp Knorr Chicken Broth Mix!
Chopped scallions
Fried onions & Fried garlic
Chili oil 
Salt & black pepper


Directions:
  1. Easiest step, boil water!  I usually use my medium sized pot & fill er up.  I'm guessing this is about 3 quarts~ about 12 cups of water.
  2. Add smashed ginger root, thinly chopped celery or other veggies & cooked rice!  *If uncooked rice- cook for about 15 minutes until extra soft & almost exploded looking.  
  3. Add chicken & cook for a few minutes.  Remove & shred into bite sized pieces with a fork.  You can cut it with a knife but the shreds are nice :)  Add back to the pot.
  4. Add the secret ingredient.. Knorr Chicken Broth Mix!! 
  5. Cook this down for about 5 minutes.  Taste & add more mix or salt & pepper if needed  
  6. Ladle into bowls & add your chopped scallions, fried onions, fried garlic, fresh crack of pepper & drizzles of chili oil. Mmmmm.. if you have a lime wedge, squirt that sucker on there, too!
Cheers to sunny days & no more sickness or EBOLAAAAHHHHHH!!