Vegetarian Comfort Food: Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe
Welcome to my Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe! If you are looking for a comforting and healthy dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this soup porridge is perfect for you.
Congee is also called rice porridge or soup porridge, and it is a staple in many Asian countries. It’s known for its comforting properties and easy digestibility, making it perfect for those who want something warm and filling without feeling weighed down.
This vegetarian congee recipe is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, so it fits into a wide range of dietary preferences. The combination of ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, extra firm tofu, and vegetarian ham give the dish a satisfying umami flavor that will make you want to come back for seconds.
What’s even better is that you can prepare this recipe using your slow cooker or instant pot, which adds another layer of convenience to your meal prep routine. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together perfectly while giving the rice a smooth and creamy texture.
So grab your ingredients – short-grain brown rice, vegetable broth, shiitake mushrooms, extra firm tofu, vegetarian ham, ginger, fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), light soy sauce, salt and black pepper – let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences by swapping in different vegetables, proteins or seasonings. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping since it can be easily stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is a slow cooker – no fancy kitchen gadgets required. Just toss the ingredients in and let them cook while you go about your day. And when you come back, you’ll have a delicious pot of congee ready to enjoy.
But most importantly, this vegan congee is packed with healthy ingredients that your body will thank you for. Brown rice gives the dish an earthy flavor and whole grain goodness, while extra firm tofu adds a protein punch to fuel your day. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, making them the perfect addition to this nutrient-packed recipe.
So if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, plant-based meal that’s easy to make and good for you too, give this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe a try. Trust us – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before creating the Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee recipe, I always make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe requires a few basic ingredients and a couple of specialty items that will surely make your congee flavorful and satisfying. Below is a list of all the ingredients you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short-grain brown rice
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup vegetarian ham, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra-firm tofu, cut into small cubes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)
All these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store or specialty market. I recommend using brown rice instead of white rice as it gives a nutty flavor plus more fiber and nutrition. The combination of vegetable broth and water adds depth of flavor while still keeping the recipe Vegan-friendly. The shiitake mushrooms and ginger are essential components for this recipe because they provide an earthy note that blends well with other components in the dish. Adding vegetarian ham and tofu makes the dish more healthy and protein-filled. So let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get started with the recipe how-to for the Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of short-grain brown rice
- 1 cup of sliced vegetarian ham or mushroom
- 1 cup of diced extra-firm tofu
- 5 shiitake mushrooms, chopped
- A knob of ginger, grated or finely minced
- 7 cups of vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Slow cooker cook: Rinse the brown rice and put it into a slow cooker. Add in the vegetarian ham, diced tofu, chopped shiitake mushrooms, grated ginger, vegetable broth (or water) plus soy sauce and salt.
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Cook the rice: Cover with the lid and turn on the slow cooker to its high setting. Let cook for 8 hours or until the rice has a porridge consistency.
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Ginger store: If you have leftover congee or ingredients, store them in resealable bags in your fridge. You may want to separate your mushrooms from your rice so they don’t get too soft when stored together.
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Serve hot: Scoop out the desired amount of vegetarian congee soup porridge consistency with a ladle and spoon it into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips:
- If you have an instant pot, you can also easily adapt this recipe by cooking on high pressure for 35 mins and letting it naturally release for another 10 mins.
- Mix and match your favorite toppings like crispy fried onions, sesame oil, or even vegan fish sauce!
- You can use jasmine rice instead of short-grain brown rice if you prefer.
Follow these instructions carefully and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee as soon as possible!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’d like to tweak this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee recipe, feel free to add your personal touch to the mix. Here are some suggestions:
– Protein: Instead of vegetarian ham or tofu, you can use other plant-based proteins like tempeh, chickpeas, or seitan for a heartier meal. For non-vegans, diced chicken or fish work well, too.
– Grains: You can experiment with using different types of rice or grains, such as short-grain sushi rice or even quinoa for a healthier option. Brown rice also gives the congee a nutty flavor and added nutrients.
– Broth: This recipe calls for vegetable broth as the base, but feel free to get creative with different flavors of broth. Mushroom broth, miso broth or even coconut milk can take this dish in a new direction.
– Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms work great for adding umami to the congee, but you can use other types of mushrooms like portobello or button mushrooms.
– Spices: Add in more ginger or black pepper if you like it spicy! You can also add garlic or chili flakes for an extra kick. Experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile vegan congee recipe. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the basic recipe and create something that suits your taste buds perfectly.
Serving and Pairing
If you’re looking to serve a warm and comforting meal on a cold day, then this slow cooker Vietnamese vegetarian congee recipe is the perfect choice. Congee is a traditional rice porridge dish that is popular in many Asian countries, and this vegan version is packed with flavor and texture.
To serve, ladle the hot congee into deep bowls and sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top for added color and freshness. A generous amount of black pepper can also be added for an extra bit of zing.
This vegetarian congee recipe pairs perfectly with some light soy sauce on the side or even some vegetarian ham or extra-firm tofu for added protein. You can choose to add or adjust the seasoning to your liking, whether it be by adding more salt or experimenting with different spices.
Additionally, serving this congee alongside some pan-fried shiitake mushrooms and fresh ginger brings out a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
If you want to go beyond the traditional pairing, try serving this dish with a side salad made with fresh vegetables or enjoy it as a light lunch alongside some bread or crackers.
With its savory flavors and warming effect, this vegan congee rice porridge goes well with any main meal or makes for a hearty standalone dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. This recipe will last up to four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer.
To store this vegetarian congee recipe, let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. If you’re freezing it, make sure to label the container with the name and date. When reheating from frozen, let the congee thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove top. It’s important to reheat slowly and stir often to ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
If you’re making this dish ahead for a dinner party, follow all directions just until adding toppings. As toppings should be added fresh. Store vegetable broth, vegetarian ham or other toppings separately and add them just before serving.
Reheating leftovers is also easy, simply heat it over low heat in a saucepan on your stove-top. Occasionally stir your dish until it has reached your preferred temperature. It’s recommended to add more liquid to help restore thickness/consistency.
By storing and reheating this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe correctly, you will be able to enjoy delicious leftovers without sacrificing quality or flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking slow cooker Vietnamese vegetarian congee recipe is easy and straightforward. But to get perfect results, there are few additional tips that you can follow. These tips will take your slow cooker Vietnamese vegetarian congee recipe to the next level, enhancing its taste and texture.
Here are some tips for preparing perfect slow cooker Vietnamese vegetarian congee recipe:
1. Use Flavorful Spice Mixtures
To infuse the delectable flavor into your congee, you can use a diverse range of spices that consist of ginger, black pepper, and fresh coriander leaves. These spices will make your congee more flavorsome and irresistible.
2. Make It Creamier with Coconut Milk
If you’re looking for a creamier texture, add a cup of coconut milk or cashew cream to your vegan congee. The coconut milk adds an amazingly rich flavor and makes it creamy without being too heavy.
3. Don’t Overdo the Water
Don’t overfill your slow cooker with water. Make sure you use enough water to preserve the porridge-like texture without diluting the taste. Porridge consistency soup is what you need to achieve.
4. Experiment with Different Types of Rice
While white jasmine rice is traditional for making basic congee, you can experiment with other types of rice like short-grain brown rice, which will give your vegetarian congee recipe a healthier twist.
5. Garnish for the Perfect Finishing Touch
Garnishing your congee before serving will be the perfect finishing touch! Fresh coriander leaves and some green onions go well timelessly with it.
By following these simple tips in combination with our flavorful ingredient list and our detailed how-to section, you are sure to create a deliciously satisfying bowl of slow cooker Vietnamese vegetarian congee that will satisfy everyone in the family.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe is a must-try for vegans and vegetarians who are looking for a comforting and filling meal. With its flavorful blend of ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, ginger, vegetarian ham, and extra firm tofu, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Not only is this dish full of delicious flavors, but it is also very easy to prepare with the help of a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Additionally, the recipe allows for substitutions and variations to make it your own.
So go ahead and give this vegan congee recipe a try. Whether you are looking for a warm soup porridge consistency or a hearty rice porridge consistency soup, this recipe is perfect for any congee lover. And with its make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy it any time of the day. Don’t hesitate to add it in your menu as an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend breakfast. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Vegetarian Congee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed and drained
- 5 cups water
- salt, to taste
- 3 reconstituted dried black mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, peeled and finely shredded
- 1/2 cup vegetarian ham, cubed (fried if you like) or 1/2 cup extra firm tofu (fried if you like)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- light soy sauce, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Put the rice, salt, and water in a slow cooker.
- Add ginger and mushrooms.
- Turn slow cooker on to low and cook for 8 hours or overnight.
- Add veggie ham or tofu just before serving.
- Season with salt, light soy sauce, sesame oil and pepper.
- Ladle the congee into individual serving bowls, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.