Arroz Caldo (Filipino style Porridge / Congee)

 

          This is a classic Filipino style comfort food that is a Chinese inspired recipe with a Spanish name. It is a healthy one pot meal that is simply divine, heart warming and is just perfect for a cold wintry night. 

          Garnish as desired with your favorite toppings and enjoy. I served mine with some chopped spring onion, coriander leaves, fried garlic, red chili flakes, boiled egg and a dash of lime. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this soul satisfying yummy porridge / congee. 

           The main ingredients in this recipe are mainly chicken and rice. So it is a perfect blend of the two along with some chicken stock, onion, ginger and garlic.

          Wholesome and nutritious, this porridge is typically served as breakfast for a much needed energy. However, it can also be enjoyed for brunch, snack or as a light dinner, especially when you are sick. 

           This easy to prepare meal can never be so easy, as very few ingredients are required to dish out this amazing and healthy one-pot wonder.

          Typically, glutinous rice is used in this recipe. However, I added some basmati rice as the former was unavailable. You may also make use of small grain rice as an alternative. 

          Finally, I would like to mention that 2 chicken stock cubes can be added along with water as a substitute for chicken stock. 

• 1 cup boneless chicken, cubed
• 1/2 cup rice
• 3 tbsp. oil 
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8-10 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, chopped
• 1/4 cup spring onion (white part), chopped
• 1/2 tsp. pepper powder or to taste
• 4 cups chicken stock 
• 1 tbsp. spring onion, chopped
• few coriander leaves
• pinch of red chili flakes (opt)
• boiled egg for each serving
• lime wedges

          Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan and fry 3/4 of the chopped garlic till golden brown in colour. Drain and keep aside.

          Heat remaining oil and sauté the ginger, garlic and onion till light brown. Now add the chicken and stir fry for 2-3 minutes on a high flame. 

          Then add the soaked rice and sauté for 2 minutes. Add pepper powder and chicken stock.

         Bring it to a boil and simmer, covered on a low flame till the porridge is thick to a desired consistency. Be sure to stir at intervals.

          When done, spoon in individual bowls and serve, garnished with a boiled egg, fried garlic, chili flakes, spring onion, coriander leaves and a dash of lime. 

                       Heat 1 tbsp. oil & fry 3/4 of the chopped garlic till brown. Keep aside.

                     Heat remaining oil and sauté the ginger, garlic & onion till light brown. 

                                 Add the chicken & stir fry for 2-3 minutes on a high flame. 

                                  Then add the soaked rice and sauté for 2 minutes. 

                                  Add pepper powder 

                      and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil & simmer, covered on a low flame 

                 till the porridge is thick to a desired consistency. Stir the contents at intervals.

                     Spoon in individual bowls & serve, garnished with a boiled egg, fried garlic, 

                     chili flakes, spring onion, coriander leaves & lime wedges.