The healing power of congee

How have I not discovered its delicious goodness until recently?

Congee - where have you been all my life?!

As I approach the later stages in my pregnancy, I’ve been exploring simple, nourishing meals to enjoy postpartum, and I have a feeling congee is about to become a staple in my kitchen. I’ve made both savoury and sweet variations (in the slow cooker) and it’s such a beautiful, nourishing preparation that can be adorned in many ways.

Congee is a comforting and traditional Chinese rice porridge, renowned for its simplicity, versatility, and soothing quality. Made by simmering rice in a generous amount of water until it breaks down into a luscious, pudding-like consistency, congee is usually served as a savoury breakfast, and is especially cherished for its healing properties during the postpartum period (or when you might be feeling under the weather).

This dish is easy to digest and gentle on the system, making it perfect for new mothers who need nourishment while their bodies recover. Plus, it’s hydrating and packed with nutrients, especially when prepared with high-quality stock.

The beauty of congee lies in its simplicity: just three main ingredients and some time gently bubbling away on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. The best part? One cup of rice transforms into eight cups of delicious congee, making it both a comforting and economical choice. The recipe I’ve shared below is for a 1/2 portion as I found 3-4 serves to be plenty, however the quantity can easily be doubled if you’d like more portions.