Qingming Peach Blossom Congee
Authentic peach blossom congee is traditionally made with fresh peach blossoms, but since fresh peach blossoms are hard to source for most households, dried peach blossoms can be used as a substitute that delivers the same effect and is far more convenient.
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Traditional authentic peach blossom congee is prepared using fresh peach blossoms, but as fresh peach blossoms are rarely available to most households, dried peach blossoms work as a perfect substitute that offers identical results and is much easier to use.
Ingredients
japonica rice
brown rice
peach blossom
soda ash
rock sugar
water
Instructions
1
Step 1
Prepare an appropriate amount of rock sugar, and add it according to your personal preference.
2
Step 2
Prepare a small handful of brown rice.
3
Step 3
Prepare a small handful of short-grain white rice.
4
Step 4
Prepare peach blossoms.
5
Step 5
Prepare food-grade alkali (edible sodium carbonate).
6
Step 6
Rinse the brown rice thoroughly, then soak it in water for a period of time (brown rice takes longer to cook, so you can soak it for an extended period).
7
Step 7
Rinse the short-grain white rice thoroughly, then soak it in water for a period of time.
8
Step 8
Soak the peach blossoms in water for a few minutes.
9
Step 9
Add japonica rice, brown rice, peach blossoms and water to a pressure cooker (the general water to rice ratio for making porridge is 1:3, add more water if you prefer a thinner porridge).
10
Step 10
Add a small amount of alkaline flour (adding a bit of alkaline flour can make the porridge thicker, it is a great helper for making porridge).
11
Step 11
Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
12
Step 12
Cover the lid tightly, turn on medium heat, reduce the heat slightly once the pressure cooker starts venting steam, and cook for another 10 minutes.
13
Step 13
Pour the finished porridge into a bowl, sprinkle with crushed peach blossoms and it is ready to serve.
