Congee with Nettles

Congee with Nettles

Serves 6
Congee is a savory, warm, Chinese rice porridge, often served with a variety of toppings and condiments. This version adds nettle leaves which are similar to spinach when cooked. See Cook's Tips to make congee in an electric pressure cooker or slow cooker.

Ingredients

FOR CONGEE

  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup short grain white rice
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger root (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 cups nettle leaves

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS

  • slice d BBQ pork
  • Mung beans
  • Thin strips of peeled, fresh ginger
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Fried garlic slices or crispy fried onions
  • Chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions
  • Soy sauce
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Chili oil or chili sauce

Directions

  1. In a large, heavy pot, combine stock, rice, ginger, and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until mixture is thick and creamy, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes so rice does not stick to bottom.
  2. With tongs or gloved hands, add nettle leaves to porridge. Stir to combine and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Or, blanch nettles ahead of time as directed in Cook's Tips and use as a topping.
  3. To serve, ladle warm congee into bowls and add desired toppings.

Cook Tips

To use electric pressure cooker: Combine stock, rice, ginger, and salt in pressure cooker pot. Lock lid in place. Cook on high pressure 20 minutes. (Or, use slow cook function and cook on high 5 to 6 hours or low 8 to 10 hours). Let pressure release naturally. Simmer uncovered on sauté function to reduce to desired consistency, stirring often. With tongs or gloved hands, add nettles and continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once or twice. Taste and add salt, if needed.

To blanch nettles, bring a large pot of water to boil. With tongs or gloved hands, add nettles. Stir and simmer 2 minutes. While nettles cook, prepare a bowl of ice water. Drain nettles and plunge into ice water to cool. Drain again. Remove leaves from stems and squeeze out liquid. Pat dry on clean towel. Save cooking liquid for tea, if you like.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 0.0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 310.0 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25.0 g
  • Fiber: 5.0 g
  • Added Sugars: 1.0 g
  • Sugar: 1.0 g
  • Protein: 9.0 g