Instant Pot Leftover Ham Bone Congee

Easter was last week, and I was able to spend some quality time with my family. My oldest son, his wife and my youngest son came home to celebrate Easter with me and my husband. I made the usual’s: pineapple glazed ham and pan de sal. I also made sautéed asparagus and mushroom as a side dish. We had leftover ham and pan de sal which my husband ate for breakfast the next couple of days. Also, I was able to make this Instant Pot leftover ham bone and congee dish with the leftover ham bone.

This congee recipe has a few and simple ingredients. Strips of ginger were added to add flavor to the porridge. It took a total of one hour and a half to make this congee using an instant pot. It only takes 20 minutes to cook this dish but it took 10 minutes to preheat the pot and another hour to naturally release the pressure. It was worth the wait. The ham bone congee came out so good.  A garnish of chopped green onions makes it even better. My husband and I are feeling under the weather these last few days. A bowl of the ham bone congee is a perfect comfort food to have!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Congee

For the best texture, rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps achieve that creamy consistency you want in congee. If you like your congee a bit thicker, use less water or add a little more rice. Adjust the water based on your personal preference. Keep an eye on the Instant Pot during the cooking process. When the timer goes off, don’t rush the natural release. Letting it release naturally allows the flavors to meld and the rice to continue cooking gently. If you want to enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil right before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Add-Ins

Congee is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it. Top your bowl with a drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of white pepper for an extra kick. You can also add cooked greens, like spinach or bok choy, for added nutrition. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, toss in some fried shallots or crispy garlic on top. For a heartier meal, consider adding diced vegetables or leftover proteins such as shredded chicken or tofu. This way, you can turn a simple bowl of congee into a satisfying feast that suits your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for the ham bone?

If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use smoked turkey legs or even a store-bought ham hock. Both options will give you a nice smoky flavor in your congee.

How do I store leftover congee?

Let the congee cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to a month.

Can I make this congee in advance?

You can prepare the congee ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a little water while reheating to get that creamy texture back.

What toppings go well with ham bone congee?

Chopped green onions are a great start, but you can also add a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, or even a sprinkle of fried shallots for extra flavor. Some people love adding a soft-boiled egg on top too!

What are common mistakes when making congee?

One common mistake is not rinsing the rice, which can lead to a gummy texture. Also, make sure to give it enough time to naturally release pressure after cooking for the best consistency.

Instant Pot Leftover Ham Bone Congee

Liza Agbanlog

Savory and comforting, this Instant Pot congee uses a leftover ham bone for rich flavor and creamy texture, topped with fresh ginger and green onions. It's an easy, warm bowl of goodness that's sure to satisfy.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 113 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup long grain white rice , rinsed until water is clear
• 1 leftover ham bone
• 9 cups water
• 1- inch fresh ginger , peeled and slice into thin strips
• Salt to taste
• Chopped green onions , for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a 6-quart instant pot, combine the rice, ham bone, water and ginger. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing position.
• Press the Porridge setting. After 10 seconds, the pot will beep 3 times and the LCD will display On to indicate that the pot has entered the preheating cycle.
• For this recipe, it will take about 10 minutes to preheat the pot. During this time, the pot will heat up and pressure will build up and the float valve will rise. The LCD will then display 20 minutes, time for porridge to cook.
• When the cooking cycle has finished, the pot will switch to the Keep Warm mode. Allow the pot to cool down naturally until the float valve drops down. This will take about 1 hour.
• Set the valve to venting position, make sure the float valve has risen and then open the lid. Remove the ham bone and pull off meat from the bone. Return the meat to the soup and discard the bone. Stir the congee and then season with salt to taste. Press Cancel and then unplug the instant pot.
• Ladle the congee into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gSodium: 20mgPotassium: 35mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.3mg

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