Healing Chicken Congee

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1-1.5lb thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 4 celery stalks, sliced, reserve leaves

• 4-5 slices ginger

• 4-5 green cardamom pods

• 4 cups chicken bone broth (or stock)

• 2 cups water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3/4 cup rice*

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat fat of choice in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add in the veggies: In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, rice of choice, broth, ginger and cardamom pods.

3. Cover and Simmer: Once the congee is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the rice is soft and fully cooked.

4. Finish: Taste the congee and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon juice and celery leaves.

   Other topping ideas: Cilantro, avocado, pumpkin seeds, hot sauce…

• Use whatever rice you prefer- white rice will yield a more creamy congee while brown rice will be chewier.