Brown rice congee with stewed peanuts

Congee is to Asians what chicken soup is to westerners. We have it when we are ill, or cold, or sad. When I was growing up, I would seek solace in a deep bowl of congee whenever I got my braces tightened. There is something profoundly comforting about it, despite its simplicity. Although it takes a long time to cook, once it is in the pot congee pretty much takes care of itself.