Leek and Potato Congee

Congee is a cure-all of miraculous frugality. All you need is a little rice, some water and salt and you can make a recuperative broth that will see you through another day. Many countries have a version of this rice porridge: South Asians have khichri, a rice and dal dish, and the Chinese have xiaomizhou, a millet congee. In Tibet, if you are unwell, chances are someone will serve you a bowl of congee.

Congee isn’t just the preserve of the sick, though. We enjoy it wh