Soul Food Series #1: Pork Meatball Congee

In many parts of Asia, rice porridge—also known as congee—is the go-to comfort food, especially when someone is feeling under the weather. In Thailand, it's commonly enjoyed as a warm, savory breakfast, while in the Philippines, it's often served as a light afternoon snack or merienda.

When my husband recently had tooth surgery and needed to stick to soft foods, I went searching for a gentle yet nourishing recipe—and thankfully, I came across one from Delightful Plate that hit all the right notes.

The cooking process started by sautéing ginger and the white parts of scallions, which surprisingly gave off a beautifully aromatic, lemongrass-like fragrance—even without using lemongrass itself (which is harder to find here in Europe). That fresh, warming scent filled the kitchen and set the tone for the rest of the dish.

I loved how the recipe had you boil the pork meatballs first, letting them gently cook until they floated to the surface. This step not only ensured they were tender but also allowed the broth to absorb their flavor—and vice versa. Cooking the rice in the same pot afterward meant every spoonful was infused with that comforting, savory essence.

To finish, I topped the bowl with a soft-boiled egg, sautéed mushrooms, and some fresh vegetables. The result? A warm, healing dish that was both satisfying and soothing. My husband and I were genuinely happy with how it turned out.

If you're looking for a cozy, feel-good meal—whether you're under the weather or simply craving something comforting—I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You can check it out here.