Congee, also known as jook, is a rice porridge that has been made for thousands of years. It is especially good when one is not feeling well or when it’s cold. There are endless variations. This one is hearty, and filled with chicken flavors and tender pieces of chicken.
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup Jasmine or short grain white rice
1-2 chicken thigh (or smoked pork bone)
1 piece Ginger
7 cups Water (can substitute 1-2 cups chicken broth for some water)
1 tsp salt
Green onions, dried beancurd (“foo jook”), gingko nuts — optional
DIRECTIONS
Rinse rice. Put into Instant Pot.
Mandolin in the ginger into pot
Trim fat and skin off, and add chicken (or smoked pork bone)
Add 7 cups of water
Optionally, add hydrated dried beancurd
Optionally, add 1 capful of Chinese cooking wine
Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes (porridge button), natural release (~30 minutes)
Classic Japanese Potato Salad is made of smashed potato (with some chunks), sliced cucumbers and carrots, eggs, and sometimes ham. Flavoring wise, it is seasoned with Japanese mayonnaise and sometimes rice vinegar. Compared to western potato salad, it is creamier, sweeter, and has more veggies.
INGREDIENTS
2 potatoes (~1 lb)
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 inch carrot
1 stalk celery
2 inch English cucumber (one Persian cucumber)
1/2 cup Japanese Mayonnaise (e.g, Kewpie)
1 tsp sweet relish
DIRECTIONS
If russet potatoes, peel and cut into 1.5 inch pieces. Otherwise, may leave skin on. Put potatoes in large pot and fill with water until it covers the potatoes. Start cooking in cold water.
Boil potatoes. Lower heat to medium and cook until a skewer can pas through the potatoes smoothly (10-12 minutes). Drain water from the pot.
Put the pot back on the stove, evaporate water and moisture from potatoes over medium heat (< 1 minute). Stir potatoes so they don’t stick. Remove from heat.
Smash the potatoes, but leave some small chunks for texture. Sprinkle sale and transfer to a big bowl, and let cool on the counter.
Cut carrots lengthwise into quarters. Cut celery lengthwise, and then slice. Place into a small bowl, and cover with water. Microwave about a minute. Drain water, and cool.
Peel cucumbers (leaving some skin for texture) and cut into quarters, and slice.
Add veggies into the mashed potatoes. Grind in some pepper. Mix well.
Add mayonnaise and mix until incorporated.
Serve immediately.
Store in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days.
Some research found that beets may possibly lower blood pressure, drop risks of heart disease, boost endurance performance, help fight inflammation, prevent chronic diseases, and help purify your blood and liver. Plus, they taste good.
INGREDIENTS
6 (1 3/4 lb) medium sized beets (7.5″ circumference)
1 cup water
DIRECTIONS
Rub and wash the beets under cold running water. Trim and discard roots.
Pour 1 cup of tap water in the Instant Pot
Place a trivet or steam basket in the Instant Pot
Place the beets on the trivet
Cook high-pressure for 24 minutes (firm, with a little crunch) – or 28 minutes (soft, with some chew)