She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Thailand: A Hearty Breakfast Delight

A Traditional Thai Breakfast with a Twist

Imagine starting your day with a warm, comforting bowl of rice porridge, infused with the rich flavors of pork dumplings and a soft-boiled egg. This beloved Thai breakfast dish, inspired by Leela Punyaratabandhu’s Simple Thai Food, is a delightful twist on a classic.

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors

To create this mouthwatering breakfast, we’ll combine the tender taste of pork dumplings with the creamy texture of long-cooked rice porridge. The result is a dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

Pork Dumplings: The Star of the Show

To make the dumplings, we’ll need:

• 2 large cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro stems
• 1/2 teaspoon of white peppercorns
• 1 pound of ground pork
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of tapioca flour or cornstarch

Combine these ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth and sticky. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Congee: The Comforting Base

For the congee, we’ll need:

• 2 cups of cooked long-grain white rice
• 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 cup of tapioca starch or glutinous rice flour
• 1 cup of water
• 4 large eggs
• Ground white pepper
• 1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of loosely packed cilantro leaves

Blend the rice and stock in a blender until coarse, then pour into a large saucepan. Whisk together the tapioca flour and water, and drizzle into the rice mixture while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.

Assembling the Dish

Using two teaspoons, form the dumpling mixture into balls and drop into the gently bubbling congee. Cook until the dumplings are opaque, about 2-3 minutes. To serve, ladle half the congee into warmed bowls, crack an egg into each, and top with the remaining congee. Sprinkle with pepper, ginger, green onion, and cilantro.

Garnishes to Enhance the Experience

Offer your guests a selection of garnishes, including Asian fish sauce, red chile powder, and vinegar with pickled chiles, to add an extra layer of flavor to their meal.

Savor the Flavors of Thailand

This hearty breakfast dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s the perfect way to start your day. So go ahead, take a bite, and experience the warmth of Thailand in every spoonful.