Black Sesame Vegetable Porridge

Vegetables for breakfast? Yes please! This warm and comforting porridge is a twist on typical breakfasts found all over Asia like congee and jook. Typically, porridge recipes call for just water when cooking the base grains. This is all well and good but if you want to create both a luxurious mouthful as well as a rich flavor, reach for a bottle of Three Trees Black Sesame Milk. 

There are many virtues and perks to porridge, one of the biggest being how customizable it is. Dress it up with a dozen different toppings for an indulgent weekend brunch. Scatter a handful of microgreens and a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick morning bite. We’ve listed several ideas for what to top your porridge with but feel free to expand beyond what is written. You are in the driver’s seat here! Let your preferences and refrigerator contents be your guide.

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INGREDIENTS

Porridge

• 2 Tbsp oil of choice

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 8 oz mushrooms of choice, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 c brown rice, rinsed 

• 1 c forbidden rice, rinsed

• 28 fl oz Three Trees Black Sesame Milk (1 bottle)

• 28 fl oz water

• Pinch of salt

Topping & Garnish Ideas

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias 

• Large handful of soft greens such as spinach or microgreens

• Sauteed bok choy 

• Sesame oil 

• Sesame seeds

• Chile flakes 

• Tamari

• Sauteed mushrooms 

• Tofu

• Soft boiled egg

DIRECTIONS

Porridge

1. Add oil to a large heavy bottomed pot over medium low heat. Add onion, a pinch of salt and saute for about 10 minutes, covered, until translucent.

2. Add mushrooms and another pinch of salt. Continue to saute until they lose their moisture and wilt. 

3. Add both types of rice, Black Sesame Milk and a pinch of salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 45 minutes. The porridge should be thick and will require the occasional stir to prevent burning. You may wish to add additional milk or water if the liquid evaporates too fast or you prefer to have a thinner texture.

4. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

Serves 4

NOTES

• Increase the umami factor further by mixing a generous spoonful of miso into the porridge just before serving.

• This can be kept for up to 5 days in the fridge. When reheating you will likely need additional liquid (either Black Sesame Milk or water) to return the porridge to its original consistency. 

• Want a sweet take on the porridge? Omit the onions and mushrooms and garnish with fresh fruit, yogurt and warm spices like cinnamon, allspice and clove.