Recipe
Savory Bird's Nest Congee
50 minutes
Ingredients
- · 1 pre-soaked dried bird's nest (about 5g dry weight)
- · 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
- · 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- · Shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- · White pepper, sesame oil and spring onion to garnish
- · Salt to taste
Method
- 1Simmer rice in stock over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it breaks down into a smooth congee.
- 2Stir in shredded chicken if using and season with salt to taste.
- 3Gently fold in the soaked bird's nest in the last 5 minutes of cooking, just to warm through without overcooking it.
- 4Ladle into bowls, garnish with white pepper, a drizzle of sesame oil and spring onion.
Bird's nest isn't limited to sweet preparations, in a savoury congee it takes on a completely different, comforting character, closer to a nourishing rice porridge with a delicate textural addition. This is a good option for anyone recovering from illness who wants something gentle and savoury rather than sweet.
