My partner and I arrived in Singapore a few years back following a winter vacation in Europe. We were in bad shape, coughing, feeling lightheaded, and having rusty, irritated throats. But there was assistance available. My future Singaporean mother-in-law saved the day by putting congee, a liquid medication, in our refrigerator. With each drink, we felt slightly better as we spooned the thick, flavorful rice porridge down our throats.
In good times, congee is a power dinner in and of itself, warm and satisfying but easy on the stomach and infinitely remixable. Eat like a king by topping it with a runny egg, chopped coriander and chives, or vibrant splashes of garlic-chilli oil. Alternatively, you can minimize the alluring extras while you’re ill.
