Porridge is such a comforting food, isn’t it? It’s perfect for any meal, even breakfast. It’s warm and soothing, and it always makes me feel better when I’m not feeling my best. Plus, it’s full of nutrients that are easy for your body to digest.
When I was growing up, my mom always made me porridge when I was sick. And now, I do the same for you. Korean porridge is one of my go-to dishes when you’re feeling under the weather.
There are so many different types, and each one has its own unique flavors and health benefits. In fact, there are even restaurants in Korea that specialize in porridge!
Making it is really simple. First, we soak the rice, then we fry it up and boil it with extra water. You can add any veggies, meat, or stock you like.
I usually go with leftover chicken, then add onions, carrots and zucchini as the main vegetables. It’s a classic that everyone loves, and you can throw in any other vegetables you have on hand. If you don’t have any leftover chicken, you can always use ground meat!
One of the secret ingredients that I like to add is radish because it is excellent for lowering fever and strengthening immunity since it is anti-inflammatory.
That’s why porridge made with radish is perfect for you because you always have swollen tonsils and fever when you get sick.
And let’s not forget about the beef. It’s loaded with nutrients that your body needs when you’re not feeling your best.
When you were sick today, I fortunately had leftovers from yesterday’s roast beef and leftover rice. I could quickly make porridge with it with the few vegetables left in the refrigerator.
But I didn’t have any stock left, so I quickly made a stock with kelp and bonito flakes. This type of stock is good for seafood porridge, which I’ll teach you how to make next time.
But you can use any store bought stock you like.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, whip up a bowl of warm Korean rice porridge and let it work its magic. It’s easy to digest and full of nutrients, so it’s perfect for anyone who’s feeling ill. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be making it for your own family when they’re feeling a little under the weather.
I hope you feel better quickly.
Ingredients & Instructions
Chicken and Veggie Porridge
- 1 Tbsp oil + sesame oil
- 1 Bowl of rice (2-3 servings)
- 1/2 Cup of leftover chicken, chopped onion, celery, carrot and zucchini
- 1/2 Cup of thinly sliced radish
- 4 Cups stock
- Wash and soak a cup of rice for 30 minutes
- Chop vegetables
- Cut up leftover chicken
- Add oil and sesame oil to a pot, then fry vegetables
- Add the chicken, then the soaked rice and stir-fry for about 3 minutes
- Add any stock and boil
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes (or more for softer porridge)
- Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot
- Cut some leafy vegetables (if you have it), turn off the heat and put it in and mix together
- Serve in a bowl
- Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds
Beef and Radish Porridge
- 1 Tbsp oil + sesame oil
- 1 Bowl of rice (2-3 servings)
- 1/2 Cup of beef
- 1/2 Cup of thinly sliced radish
- 1 Stalk of green onion
- 4 Cups stock
- Chop vegetables and beef
- Add the oil and sesame oil to the pan
- Stir-fry the sliced radish and green onion
- After the radish becomes translucent, add the beef and stir-fry
- Add the stock. When it boils, add the cooked rice and bring to a boil
- Then simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Serve in a bowl
- Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds
Ta-da! Easy peasy!
Mom’s Tips
- Use any leftover veggies floating around in the fridge.
- Use any leftover meat and cooked leftover rice to make the porridge quickly.
- You can make a variety of porridge by simply changing the vegetables and meat in the recipe above.
- I don’t season the porridge until after because sometimes people need bland food and everyone’s needs are different.
Maybe soon I won’t be able to make you porridge when you’re sick.
Making porridge when you’re sick will be difficult, so I’ve shared with you the easiest method I know.
I hope this helps you someday when you have someone to share your life with.