Congee Using Leftover Rice

I always hear from my mother, “do not waste food.” She is indeed right. Foods are blessings from God, not to be wasted but to be shared and enjoyed. 

If you remember the bible story when Jesus feeds the 5000, Jesus thought us not to waste anything. Even if He can recreate the miracle of food production, He did not consider those foods less important. 

“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” —John 6:12

With that in mind, I do all my best to cook enough (not too much) for a family of three. Any leftover will definitely not go to bin. New recipe can be made out of yesterday’s food if not serve again. 

Today’s Recipe “Congee Using Leftover Rice”

INGREDIENTS: 

2 tablespoon rapeseed oil (vegetable or sunflower oil will do)

10 gloves of garlic, chopped

1 medium size onion, chopped

2 tablespoons sliced ginger, julienned
3 cups rice, cooked 
1.2 litre water
2 tablespoons of fish sauce

2 chicken cubes

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 teaspoon safflower / kasubha (optional)
Salt and pepper
Spring onion, for garnish


METHOD:

STEP 1

In a small pan, fry garlic until brown. Set aside 1/2 of it some of it for toppings. Add onion and ginger. Sauté for another minute or two.

STEP 2

Stir in the cooked rice and fish sauce. Then add water and chicken cubes. Bring to boil and reduce to low heat to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Occasionally stir the rice to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pot. You may need to add more water as to your desired consistency.

STEP 3
You can served lugaw (congee with your favourite side dish like spring roll, tofu or boiled eggs.

KITCHEN TIPS

How to avoid wasting food:

1. Do food inventory before shopping so you will only buy what you need. 

2. Make meal plan and try to use whatever ingredients you have in the cupboard or fridge. 

3. Stick to your grocery list when shopping. You are not only avoiding to buy unnecessary stuffs but also you are saving a lot of time and money. 

4. Avoid bulk buying. There is no value to that if you don’t really need it or use it often.  You will just waste money, not to mention a space in your storage. 

5. After shopping, store foods accordingly and properly. Freeze perishable good,if possible, to use for later. 

6. Keep leftovers In covered containers in the fridge. Put date on it if not to be consumed sooner. 

7. Share home cooked meals if you can. 

Please remember that food is a miraculous gift from God. Let us be grateful by doing our part not to waste food or even reduce food waste. Stay blessed and stay safe.