Hearty Bowl of Brown Rice and Chinese Broccoli Congee
Crafting a Delectable, Veggie-Friendly Spin on Chinese Rice Porridge
Satisfy your cravings for classic Chinese rice porridge with this thick, vegetarian twist! The brown rice infuses the jook with a hearty, nutty taste, and a generous stir of gai lan adds a delightful texture and sweetness to this light, wholesome dish.
What you'll need: Gai lan, recognized as Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale, is a dark green leafy vegetable with crisp, slightly sweet stems. If you can't find gai lan, broccolini is a solid replacement.
The plan: Feel free to spice up this dish by adding condiments like soy sauce, fried shallots, or roasted salted peanuts. And for a bit of protein, roasted tofu makes an enjoyable addition; you could also swirl in a beaten egg as the porridge cooks.
For a white rice version, take a crack at this congee recipe.
- Serves: 4
- Difficulty: A breeze!
- Total: Around 25 mins, with additional cooking time of 1 1/2 hours
Ingredients (7)
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, skin on and sliced into 2 pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- Pinch freshly ground white pepper, plus more as needed
- 4 ounces gai lan (also known as Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale), ends trimmed and very thinly sliced crosswise
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except the gai lan in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium and cook at a steady simmer, uncovered, for around 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat, add the gai lan, and stir until evenly combined, allowing the leaves to wilt. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, as the residual heat cooks the gai lan stems to crisp-tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Sprinkles of Inspiration
Step up your Brown Rice and Gai Lan Jook game with these additional flavors and garnishes:
Alternative Flavors:
- Zing It Up: Add diced ginger or garlic during preparation for added depth. Consider incorporating Sichuan pepper for a unique, slightly numbing taste.
- Protein-Packed: Incorporate cooked chicken, beef, or pork to make it more filling. Shrimp or fish can be included for a delightful seafood version.
- Green Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, to provide a delightful, fresh aroma.
- Vegetable Medley: Alongside gai lan, add colorful vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Garnish Ideas:
- Crispy Texture: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and fried shallots for a savory taste with a crunchy texture.
- Boiled Delight: Add a boiled egg for added protein and textural contrast.
- Soy and Oyster Alternatives: Drizzle soy sauce or oyster sauce (optional) for an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Pickled Surprise: Top with thinly sliced pickled ginger for a tangy, refreshing flavor.
- Seaweed Treat: Include dried seaweed sheets for a satisfying, salty taste and added nutrition.
- Spicy Stir: Finish off with a sprinkling of chili oil for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Keep the garnishes minimal to preserve the delicate flavors of brown rice and gai lan.
- Alongside traditional Chinese rice porridge, experiment with a vegetarian interpretation using brown rice and broccoli, commonly referred to as gai lan.
- To elevate the Brown Rice and Gai Lan Jook, consider adding spices like diced ginger, Sichuan pepper, or garlic for a more robust flavor.
- If you'd like a protein-rich version, feel free to incorporate cooked chicken, beef, or pork, or even shrimp or fish.
- For a truly Aussie twist, opt for a white rice Porridge recipe instead, and don't forget to explore various garnishing options such as toasted sesame seeds, boiled eggs, or roasted salted peanuts to enhance its taste and texture.
