Best for mornings, best for evenings, best for rainy days, best for after time in the sun, best for when you’re ill, best for when you’re down.
Rice porridge
For one, two, three or more.
To every 1 part of white jasmine rice *, use 10 parts of water.
I usually measure out 1/4 cup of rice per person. Wash rice until water runs clear.
In a saucepan, preferably a heavy-duty type, bring water to the boil over high heat. Add washed rice and continue cooking over a strong flame for 20 minutes. The rice grains should look like they are dancing in the bubbling water.
After 20 minutes, the water would have reduced significantly and the rice grains would be fluffy but still distinct in shape. Cover saucepan to let rice grains continue cooking in the steam. The porridge will be ready after 20 minutes.
The porridge, in Chaozhou-style, is prepared unflavoured and is served with a variety of side dishes or simple condiments. Something preserved or cured for flavour, with nuts for texture, and herbs for aroma will work well.
Today’s selection is ham, toasted pine nuts and chives, plus liquid seasoning of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.
* Brown jasmine rice makes rubbish porridge. Do not try.
Recipe reference: 香港粉麺飯—めんとご飯 by 謝華顕
Replies
Victoria (via contact form): The best way to achieve the photos in the city guides is to use a Lomo LC-A camera. There really isn’t any tricks or secrets to getting the colours and vignetting, or nostalgic effect. It really is down to the camera… because of the nature of the lens, the way it captures images and the way it makes you photograph. Oh, and when you bring the film to process and scan, ask for “no corrections”. Very important. Otherwise the pictures just look like generic, perfectly-balanced ones.
Nazy (via contact form): Thanks for the kind words. I lost a roll of pictures from Paris too because I didn’t load my camera so I empathise with your pain. As for work, I’ve been asked a lot and have written a little about it. I am a product consultant and I work a lot with Dr. Martens.
Carole: I might toast the bread tomorrow, if I have any left. Melted butter and toast, even better!
Marie: Thank you for your suggestions!
read me…: Do you think you might stop drinking coffee altogether, even after the baby?
Klacken: I think it might be a French recipe, and the knife I found in Tokyo. A combination of countries!
Jennifer, Jehan, o l y, chiisaiko, Nina: Thank you new voices and (slightly) old! Always nice to hear from people (and check out your links).
Stephanie: Oh dear, cancelled trips are the worst. All that anticipation… I hope you make it to Paris next time!
jocady: I did, but only because I was promised dinner at my favourite Malaysian Chinese restaurant.
Yy: I think I might go for the polo with the flowers on the outside because the print is my favourite, Edenham!
marie, editor, louise, and Tofu: I always think it’s much more fun obsessing about something that is everyday. Isn’t it?
petoskystone: Had it with ham and cheese this morning. And I might have it for dinner again.
Anabela: I think there needs to be a club for them. Two of my friends have the same ones too.
