Hangover Friendly, High Protein & Low Glycemic Congee Breakfast Recipe

A high protein, diabetic friendly, and hangover friendly congee recipe to eat while you recover between summer BBQ’s. 

Congee is known as the ultimate traditional Chinese comfort food, typically eaten for breakfast or given to children when they are feeling under the weather. This easy recipe is perfect to have during the summer months when many of us are indulging in more activities than usual—many of which may or may not include a lot of sunshine and the occasional adult beverage. 

Congee is basically a simple breakfast porridge made with rice that may be eaten with either savory or sweet toppings–depending on what you’re in the mood for. Congee is gentle on the stomach and soothes the digestive system, making it perfect for those mornings when you feel a little sluggish or dare we say…hungover. 

However, typical congee made with traditional white rice is not always the best option for those who struggle with diabetes or blood sugar imbalances. Thankfully, Cahokia’s high protein, low glycemic rice is the perfect solution! 

Grown in Southern Illinois, Cahokia rice is a unique strain of rice that is 53% naturally higher in protein with a low glycemic index score of just 41—the lowest glycemic index rice on the market! The reduced glycemic load coupled with a higher protein content makes this rice a healthy, well-balanced meal for diabetics, as well as those who are simply trying to balance their blood sugar or increase their protein intake.

Congee is a very simple dish to prepare, but can sometimes be difficult for westerners to wrap their heads around because it uses a much larger ratio of water to rice than we use to make regular rice. Congee requires very little prep, and can even be left on the stove while you tend to other household tasks, so it is an accessible recipe for just about everyone!

You can also prepare congee in advance (similar to “overnight oats”) and make large batches at once in order to have prepared breakfasts ready in your fridge each morning. Simply prep a large batch of congee rice, add your toppings, refrigerate for up to 5 days, and then reheat in the morning to soothe your aching tummy. 

Cahokia Congee Recipe

Cook time: ~40mins

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Cahokia Higher Protein White Rice
• 2 cups water or broth of your choice
• Desired toppings (ie, raisins/cinnamon/butter if you prefer a sweet breakfast or chicken/scallions/mushrooms if you prefer savory)

Instructions:

On high in an uncovered pot, boil the rice in the water for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and cover for 30 minutes. 

Uncover the pot and bring the heat to a medium-high flame to boil the rice again. Stir occasionally, and once it begins to bubble, you can lower the heat. At this time, you may add your preferred toppings/ingredients. Watch it carefully, as it should only be another 5-7 minutes before it’s ready to eat. The rice will begin to have a sticky and creamy consistency, which is when it is done. This is the most important step, because the sticky texture is what makes this dish so healing for the gut!

Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon, or any other toppings you didn’t want to sit in the hot water at this time. The key is to get the right consistency with this dish, and it may take some practice with different pots and burner settings on your stove for the perfect bowl of congee. But once you get the hang of it, congee will be a staple food in your household whenever someone is not feeling their best!

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