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soul warming congee recipe

Comforting Congee (Goto)

This Filipino-style goto combines tender chicken with aromatic garlic and ginger in a silky rice porridge. The contrast between the creamy base and crispy garlic topping creates a deeply satisfying dish perfect for warming your soul any time of day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 chicken breast with skin and bone
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 piece fresh ginger about thumb-sized, crushed
  • 10 cloves garlic minced, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup rice uncooked
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • green onions chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil and add the chicken breast. Simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool, reserving the broth.
  3. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add the crushed ginger and about one-quarter of the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour the reserved chicken broth back into the pot and add the rice. Season with salt, pepper, and the chicken bouillon cube.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice breaks down and reaches a creamy, porridge-like consistency, about 25-30 minutes.
  7. While the congee is simmering, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the remaining minced garlic and fry until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  8. Shred the cooled chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
  9. When the congee reaches your desired consistency, ladle into bowls. Top each serving with shredded chicken, crispy garlic, and chopped green onions.

Notes

For a thicker congee, use less water or simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, add more broth as needed. This dish is incredibly versatile - try adding a soft-boiled egg, crispy shallots, or a drizzle of sesame oil to make it your own.
Congee makes excellent leftovers and will thicken when refrigerated. When reheating, simply add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.