Memories of My Mom: Chao Ga

Chao Ga is rice porridge or rice congee with shredded chicken. It would take the place of chicken noodle soup in our household. Mom would poach a chicken in a 'master stock' and then strain the stock to cook the rice to make a soup. Then she'd add the shredded chicken and some cilantro, scallions, caramelized shallots and lots of ground pepper. As a variation, she would make this with ground pork/shrimp or plain with salty scrambled eggs (I've made this version before, since it's quick and easy - Dave and Nora like it!)

My better half has been pretty sick so I thought I'd try this to help him feel better (or at least NOT make him feel worse).

For the stock:

1 chicken

1 onion, peeled and cut in half

1 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and lightly smashed

3-4 cloves of garlic, peeled and lightly smashed

kosher salt

4 qts (plus) water

- In a large stock pot, heat over HIGH heat just a touch of canola oil and quickly saute the onion halves, garlic and ginger to bring out the flavors. Add the water , chicken and enough kosher salt to season the chicken. Poach until the juices run clear when the chicken is stabbed with a chopstick (and yet another great purpose for the amazing invention of the chopstick) - about 25 to 30 minutes.

- Remove the chicken and let it cool. Strain the stock through a mesh strainer lined with quadruple layer of cheesecloth (or a layer of cloth flour sack).

For the Congee:

- 1 cup (or so) jasmine rice

- 1 clove garlic, crushed

- 1 shallot, finely sliced

- stock from the poached chicken

fish sauce

cilantro

shredded chicken

ground pepper

- In a medium saucepan, saute the rice, garlic, shallots in a tiny bit of oil until fragrant. Add the stock (about 3-4 quarts) and cook the rice until it is very tender (even allowing the rice to break). The consistency should remain soupy. Add fish sauce to taste (about 1-2 tablespoons).

- Ladel the soup into bowls and top with shredded chicken, chopped cilantro and lots of freshly ground pepper for garnish.

Curl up on the couch with a good book and enjoy!