Chinese Breakfast Porridge (Jook)

1. 1

   Separate the white and green part of the scallions. Leave the white part whole and dice the remaining green ends.

2. 2

   Take an inch of the ginger root and roughly chop into big chunks. Take another inch of ginger root and dice.

3. 3

   Place the white ends of the scallion, the chopped ginger, the dried mushrooms, and a handful of cilantro in the cheesecloth and tie with cooking string to make a nice little, aromatic bundle.

4. 4

   Wash the chicken, inside and out.

5. 5

   Put the entire chicken, aromatic bundle, and water into a large pot and bring to a boil. Then, lower heat until water is just simmering and cover to cook for 40 minutes.

6. 6

   Remove the chicken and aromatic bundle and place the rice in the pot. Keep water at a simmer, uncovered, for another 40 minutes. Stir frequently to make sure rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

7. 7

   With a knife or your hands (if you are down to get dirty), remove the chicken from the bone and slice into small, bite-sized strips.

8. 8

   Remove the shitake mushrooms from the pouch and slice thinly as well. The rest of the aromatics can be discarded.

9. 9

   Heat a nonstick pan with sesame oil and when spitting-hot, crisp up the diced ginger for a crunchy garnish.

10. 10

    Jook is done when it has a thick texture and the rice is plump. Take off heat and stir in the chicken and mushrooms.

11. 11

    To serve, top with diced scallions, cilantro, and fried ginger. Other traditional garnishes include a dash of chili oil, firm tofu cubes, chestnuts, or bean curd (which is boiled separately for 5 minutes and then added at the end). You can make a different Jook every time you eat it.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.