My Chaotic Mess When I first began exploring mindfulness, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. Life had become a series of unfortunate events, each one piling on top of the last, creating an unmanageable weight. From the trauma of an assault that led to a forced abortion to the heartbreak of a four-year relationship that never led to marriage, I felt like I was constantly spiraling. The weight of a marriage that ultimately fell apart, losing custody of my children, struggling with mental health, and battling through health and work-related endurance issues—everything felt overwhelming. During these times, I found myself in need of tools—tools to help me manage, to cope, and to regain some control back. Mindfulness became one of the most invaluable practices I embraced. And through my journey, I discovered several resources that provided tangible relief: therapy, self-help groups, psychotherapy, counseling, and, yes, mindfulness tools. A Personal Journey Through Pain and Healing My pat...
Porridge, or congee, is one of the easiest and most comforting meals I can make in my rice cooker. Whether I’m feeling under the weather, want something light, or just don’t feel like cooking anything complicated, porridge is always my go-to.
What I love about cooking porridge in a rice cooker is that it’s effortless—just throw everything in and let the rice cooker do the work. It’s also budget-friendly, filling, and easily customizable for a gourmet twist.
Here are five Asian-style porridge meals that are simple yet delicious, using halal ingredients.
1. Classic Chicken Porridge (Bubur Ayam Simple)
This Indonesian/Malaysian-style chicken porridge is smooth, comforting, and full of flavor.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed
2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
1 small chicken breast or 2 chicken drumsticks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, water/broth, chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Start the rice cooker and let it cook until the porridge reaches a soft, creamy consistency.
3. Once done, shred the chicken and mix it back into the porridge.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Toppings: Fried shallots, chopped scallions, boiled egg.
Sauce: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Crispy Element: Serve with fried tofu or keropok (prawn crackers).
2. Fish Porridge (Bubur Ikan)
A light and nourishing dish, perfect for when I need a quick meal that’s easy on the stomach.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed
2 1/2 cups water or fish stock
1 fillet of white fish (such as tilapia or snapper)
1-inch ginger, julienned
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, water/stock, ginger, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Let it cook until the rice becomes soft and creamy.
3. Add the fish fillet in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Once done, gently break apart the fish and mix it into the porridge.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Toppings: Fried garlic, sliced chili, fresh cilantro.
Extra Protein: Add prawns or squid for a seafood porridge.
Side Dish: Serve with sambal kicap (spicy soy sauce).
3. Beef and Ginger Porridge (Bubur Daging Berempah)
A heartier version of porridge with beef, perfect for days when I want something more filling.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed
2 1/2 cups water or beef broth
100g minced beef or thinly sliced beef
1-inch ginger, julienned
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, water/broth, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Let it cook until the rice becomes soft.
3. Add the minced or sliced beef in the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir well.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Toppings: Fried onions, a drizzle of soy sauce, chopped scallions.
Spice Kick: Add a dash of white pepper or chili flakes.
Extra Protein: Top with a soft-boiled egg.
4. Mushroom and Egg Porridge (Vegetarian Bubur Telur & Cendawan)
A simple vegetarian porridge that’s creamy, rich in umami, and budget-friendly.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed
2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, water/broth, mushrooms, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Cook until the porridge reaches a smooth consistency.
3. Crack an egg into the porridge in the last minute of cooking and stir to mix.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Toppings: Chopped spring onions, a drizzle of sesame oil.
Extra Protein: Add tofu or edamame beans.
Crunchy Element: Serve with youtiao (Chinese fried dough).
5. Spicy Kimchi Tuna Porridge (Bubur Pedas Korea-Melayu)
A fusion porridge with Korean and Malay flavors, perfect for spicy food lovers.
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed
2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
1/2 cup kimchi (halal-certified), chopped
1 small can of tuna (in water or oil), drained
1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/2 tsp sesame oil
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, water/broth, kimchi, gochujang, and sesame oil into the rice cooker.
2. Let it cook until the porridge becomes creamy.
3. Stir in the tuna in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Egg Upgrade: Top with a soft-boiled or fried egg.
Toppings: Roasted seaweed, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions.
Extra Protein: Add shredded chicken or beef slices.
Why I Love Making Porridge in a Rice Cooker
✔️ Minimal Ingredients Needed – Just rice, broth, and a few simple add-ins.
✔️ Effortless Cooking – No need to stand by the stove, just press the button and wait.
✔️ Easy to Digest – Perfect for when I need a light but filling meal.
✔️ Budget-Friendly & Versatile – Simple to make, but can be upgraded for gourmet meals.
✔️ Minimal Cleanup – One pot to wash, that’s it!
These five Asian-style porridge meals are my go-to comfort foods. Whether I want something light, nourishing, or packed with flavor, the rice cooker does all the work.
What’s your favorite porridge recipe? Let me know in the comments!
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