Pork and Watercress Congee
Pork and Watercress Congee is a comforting Chinese rice porridge made by simmering rice until it breaks down into a creamy, silky consistency, typically with ground or sliced pork and fresh watercress. The dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine and is often enjoyed as a nourishing breakfast or a light meal. It is commonly seasoned with ginger, white pepper, and a touch of sesame oil.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderate in carbohydrates from the rice, with a good source of protein from the pork, and is generally low in fat. It provides key nutrients like iron and Vitamin C from the watercress, along with B vitamins from the pork, and typically contains around 250-350 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 45 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Congee is often referred to as 'Chinese penicillin' due to its reputation as a soothing, easy-to-digest comfort food that is traditionally given to those recovering from illness. The addition of watercress adds a peppery, fresh flavor and a significant boost of antioxidants and vitamins to the mild, savory base.
