You will need:

• A large pot
• Some measuring cups
• Water or chicken stock, water is probably the traditional way to go but if you’re really suffering, use chicken stock
• Some rice
• Something to stir with
• A considerate helper

Instructions:

1. Pour about 8 cups of water/stock into the pot. Realize you don’t have any regular white rice in the pantry. Measure out about a cup of brown rice and put it in the pot, along with two random tablespoons of Arborio rice, because why not. Put it on to boil.
2. Send your considerate helper to the store for scallions, dried mushrooms, ginger root and some cheap chicken parts.
3. Stir the rice on the stove. Blow your nose on toilet paper, tragically, because there is no more kleenex.
4. Text a few times with your considerate helper in re: the difference between green onions and scallions.
5. Develop a chill. Put on your scarf. Stir the rice some more. Let it cook a long time, until it looks like congee.
6. When your considerate helper returns, throw the dried mushrooms and ginger in the pot.
7. Poach the chicken. Save the broth for later. Chop up the scallions/green onions and some garlic. Put it on top of your bowl of congee, along with some shredded chicken.
8. Eat in bed while feeling sad, and suffering.