Monday, October 15, 2007

Vegetarian “Century Egg” Congee

I am using a fruit – Avocado, to create the Vegan/Vegetarian version of Century Egg Congee. The ripe avocado tastes like the century egg yolk except it is yellowish in colour. I added some shiitake mushrooms to recreate the century egg white which has a gelatinous texture. Give it a try and don’t “overcook” the avocado, as it may taste bitter. If you find it bitter, mashed them in the congee, you won’t notice it.

Preparation: 5 mins, Cooking time: 30 mins, plus 30 mins standing time

Ingredients (serves 2)
° 100g rice, washed and drained
° 1.2 litres water
° 6 thin slices ginger, finely shredded
° ½ - 1 ripe avocado, diced
° 2-3 fresh shiitake mushroom, diced
° salt, to taste
° light soy sauce (optional), to taste
° sesame oil, to taste
° pepper, to taste

Method
1. Put the rice and water in a claypot or pot. Let it stands for 1 hour or more, if desired.
2. Bring the congee to a boil for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and leave it to stands for 30 minutes or more. Throw in the mushroom and re-boil the congee for few minutes prior to serving. To thicken the congee, mix 1-2 tablespoons of glutinous rice flour with 4 tablespoons of water and stir into the congee, if desired. Season with salt, light soy sauce, sesame oil and pepper. Finally, add in the avocado.
3. Ladle the congee into individual serving bowls and serve hot.

3 comments:

  1. nice try...perhaps this is the season for avocado..cos i seen alot in the supermarket...but nvr know can be prepared into a meal beside as a fruit...hm, think i will go and do it one of these days....replacing shhitake MH with another MH, since now also the season for mushrooms...cheers SF

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  2. Wow, Crystal, you are really innovative & great cook :p

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  3. Hi SF

    My first try ;p, usually avocado is served as fruit or in salad. Just the ripe ones taste like century egg that lead me to this dish.

    To recreate the century egg white - grass jelly/chin chow or jelly/agar agar made with black sesame powder. Yet to try.

    Hi anonymous
    Thanks, i am still learning ...

    Cheers :)

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