As winter’s chill deepens, it’s time to swap out the usual health drinks and simple preparations for something truly comforting. Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has found his perfect winter remedy: congee. Prepared by his private chef, Harsh Dixit, this East Asian rice porridge is not only a warm delight but also a powerhouse for gut health and energy.
Chef Harsh, who caters to a star-studded clientele including Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Athiya Shetty, and cricketer KL Rahul, highlights congee as the ultimate comfort food for the season. He describes it as “basically rice cooked slowly in a flavourful broth until it breaks down. Light on the stomach, fantastic for gut health, and surprisingly energising.” This versatile dish can be customized to individual tastes, with Chef Harsh even preparing a special corn congee for Ranbir and a fish broth version for the pescatarian KL Rahul.
The secret to elevating this simple porridge? A magical crispy chili oil. Chef Harsh describes it as “like crack,” featuring a blend of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and a mix of Kashmiri and Guntur chillies. This crunchy, aromatic condiment adds a delightful kick that perfectly complements the smooth congee.
Congee with Crispy Chilli Oil (Serves 4)
Ingredients for the Congee:
- 150g jasmine rice
- 600ml chicken stock (or water)
- 7.5g salt
- 5g castor sugar
- 2.5g white pepper
- Chopped scallions for garnish
Method:
Combine jasmine rice and chicken stock in an Instant Pot and set to Slow Cook for 90-120 minutes. The rice should break down into a smooth, comforting porridge. Stir in salt, sugar, and white pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve hot.
Ingredients for the Crispy Chilli Oil:
- 4 tbsp neutral oil (like rice bran or sunflower oil)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- Salt to taste
Method:
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, cooking until golden and fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and Sichuan peppercorns. Finally, add chilli powder and salt. Let the flavors infuse as the oil cools.
Whether you’re looking to beat the winter blues or simply seeking a nourishing and delicious meal, this congee with crispy chili oil is the perfect dish to try, just as Ranbir Kapoor and KL Rahul enjoy it.