Vegetarian Style Congee Xi Fan Food

VEGETABLE CONGEE (GF, VEGAN)

Steps:

• Rinse the rice well and drain. In a large pot, add the rice, vegetable stock or water, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally.
• In the meantime, as the rice is cooking, in a large bowl, soak the dried mushrooms in 4 cups of warm water. Set aside. Peel and cut the sweet potato into 1-inch cubes. Set aside. Wash and cut the collard greens into 1-inch strips, removing any tough stalks. Set aside.
• When the congee has been cooking for 45 minutes, and the mushrooms are fully rehydrated, add the mushrooms into the congee. Slowly pour in the soaking liquid, discarding the last bits of liquid where any dirt and grit may have accumulated. Stir in the sweet potatoes. Cover and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for another 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes have passed, stir in the collard greens. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 15 minutes. At this point, the rice grains should have fully softened and absorbed most of the water. If the congee is too watery, simmer without the covering the pot to allow some steam to escape for the last 15 minutes. If the congee is too thick, you can add additional water as needed.
• Serve warm with desired toppings. I love this Vegetable Congee with topped with kimchi, green onions, a splash of soy sauce and a bit of hot chili oil.
• PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE. You can make this congee the night before, cover and store in the refrigerator. I'll often start cooking a pot of this when I start preparing dinner. That way the congee can cook, cool and be put in the refrigerator before bed. Alternatively, enjoy some congee for dinner, and have the leftovers in the morning. Simply heat up the congee in the morning before serving.

VEGETARIAN-STYLE CONGEE (XI-FAN)

Steps:

• Heat a wok over high heat and add the oil.
• Stir-fry the garlic and ginger and Chinese mushrooms for less than 1 minute. Add the carrot, brown rice and whole grain mix. Stir-fry for less than 1 minute and add 4 cups boiling water.
• Let the rice cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring and adding up to a further 8 cups water to make sure the rice and grains are thoroughly cooked. Add the red bell pepper, stir well, and then pour in the vegetable stock. Finally add the bamboo shoots and season with the light soy sauce, sesame oil and ground black pepper. Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

CONGEE WITH SOY EGGS

Steps:

• First make the soy eggs. Bring a small pan of water to the boil and add the eggs. Boil for 6 mins, then lift the eggs out with a slotted spoon and place in cold water and leave to cool. When cool enough to handle, peel the eggs.
• In a small bowl mix the soy with the sugar, stirring well so that the sugar dissolves. Pour in 75ml water then add the eggs and leave in the soy mixture for at least 2 hours. You may need to put a little weight, or small plate on top of the eggs to keep them submerged, as they'll be bobbing around.
• Next, make the congee. Place the rice in a small bowl and wash in running cold water until the water turns clear and doesn't look milky. Add the chicken stock and the rice to a medium saucepan, bring to the boil then cook for 25 mins at a gentle simmer. If necessary, top up with a little water. You want it to be soupy, like a wet risotto.
• When the rice is cooked, season to taste and stir in the shredded chicken and chopped ginger. Add the butter to the pan, and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated.
• Remove the eggs from the soy mixture and cut in half. Divide the congee between 2 bowls. Scatter over the chopped spring onions and crushed peanuts. Top with the soy egg halves and a sprig of coriander. Drizzle the sriracha over and finish with a spoonful of the soy egg marinade.