From Congee to Asian Chowders
The Evolution of Congee: From Ancient Staple to Asian Chowder Congee, the comforting rice porridge that has soothed souls and filled bellies for millennia, is a dish with a storied history that transcends borders and cultures. Its journey from a simple gruel to a dish celebrated as an Asian chowder is emblematic of its versatility and enduring appeal. The roots of congee stretch back to the Zhou dynasty in China, approximately 3,000 years ago, where it was a humble meal for both emperors and commoners alike. This simple concoction, made by boiling rice in a great quantity of water until it breaks down into a porridge, was not only a means of sustenance but also a symbol of communal spirit and ingenuity in the face of adversity. The phrase "When we have rice, we share, and if we only have congee, we share, too" encapsulates the camaraderie and support that congee fostered within communities. The name 'congee' itself is derived from the Tamil word 'kanji', which...