Note: For plain congee, skip step 1 chicken broth. Use only water. Below: coriander roots
Step 1 - Stuff chicken cavity with 3 crushed garlic and 4 big slices of ginger. Put everything in a pot & Cover chicken with just enough water (not too much). Cook over high heat until it reaches boiling point. Leave it to boil for at least 5 - 10 mins.
Next, turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for 30mins. After 30mins remove chicken from the pot and Keep the broth.
Step 2 - Clean & soak rice for 10mins or more. Place rice in a big pot. Add water and cook over high heat until it boils. Leave it boiling for good 10mins until rice is cooked through and mushy but not starchy. Stir in between. Add some water if necessary.
Next, pour chicken broth into congee pot. This time, over LOW HEAT, Simmer congee for at least 30 minutes or more, until it reaches a thick starchy consistency, NOT WATERY. Taste and adjust accordingly. It should taste subtle as congee is usually served with other side dishes. See Note.
Serve congee in a bowl and drizzle some SESAME OIL (optional) and Top with shredded chicken, peanuts, fried crispy anchovies, chopped coriander, fried shallots and garlic, red fermented bean curd or tofu, chinese preserved olive leaves or vegetable, chinese pickled lettuce and so on. Accompaniments for congee are usually based on individual preferences.
Note : Seasoning congee is depending on how congee is served. If congee is served with side dishes or few accompaniments, seasoning is not necessary. If congee is served on its own with shredded chicken, chopped coriander, fried anchovies and peanuts, then, season your congee (to taste) with enough chicken seasoning powder or chicken bouillon.
