Vegetarian Jook (Rice Porridge)

Also: Congee, Juk, Jok, Okayu

This dish is eaten all over Asia as a cure-all, hangover fix, stamina booster, etc. etc. It gives you one of those warm, fuzzy, full feelings. I can personally attest to its hangover curing properties (might not have left Phuket alive without this stuff!) I use jasmine rice, but any rice will do...

This recipe is for the basic soup. You can add any vegetables or proteins that you like. Think of this as a kind of blank canvass...

9 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked rice, preferably jasmine

1 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. white pepper or ground red pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 TB cilantro, chopped

Bring water and rice to boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until you have a smooth, porridge-like mixture.

Add vegetables or protein, if desired, and continue to cook until done. Add soy, pepper, salt, green onions, and cilantro and stir to combine.