Congee (Energy Tonic Soup)
Congee is easy to make in a crock pot. Put up the soup before going to bed and awaken to this satisfying porridge. (Or, put it up before going to work and the soup will be ready when you come home.)
Serves 2
½ cup rice (or barley)
4 cups water or stock
1 2-inch piece kombu seaweed
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon minced ginger
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 chicken thigh with bone
2 scallions, chopped
Place all the ingredients in a 3-quart soup pot. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to very slow simmer and cook for at least 3 hours or up to 8 hours. (Or, place in a crock pot and cook on low for about 8 hours.) Add additional water if necessary. Remove chicken bone. Season to taste and garnish with scallions.
Variation: Add any of your favorite vegetables for additional flavor such as mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery.