Oats and Chia Congee with Warmed Fruit
If you keep up with me on social media, you’ve probably noticed my love for congee arrived swiftly and has made a permanent place in my go-to dishes. Winter brings a slower pace & warming foods and with a new baby on the way, I am all for it.
This month’s seasonal recipe is a version of the oats and chia “congee” that I found in The First Forty Days book. A book I have absolutely fallen in love with and cannot wait to use as a guide during my first 40 days postpartum.
If you live in Houston, here’s a rundown of the lovely vendors from the Rice Village and Heights Mercantile Farmers Markets that you can source from to create this recipe!
4C Market sells high quality, pasture raised meats, eggs and dairy products. Richer soils, greener pastures, and healthier, happier livestock is what it is all about! Everyday the 4C Market team are educating themselves and implementing sustainable farming methods in order to heal the land.
Erbe Ranch is a family owned farm located in Cat Spring, Texas raising grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and pastured pork. The property has been in Farmer Brian’s family for over one hundred thirty five years.
Synergos Farms is a thriving healthy farm community, synergistically growing food, allowing all things to grow naturally. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Synergos focuses on regenerative practices that support healthy soil, plants, and animals.
Regen Ranch is a woman owned and run ranch in Oakwood, Texas. With the goal of providing clean food, Christine sells grass fed beef & lamb, pasture raised turkey, and farm fresh eggs.
Animal Farm is a working, sustainable permaculture center located 65 miles west of Houston. They are dedicated to producing high-quality certified organic vegetables and flowers. They sell at our markets, but also have a wonderful CSA program!
Verde Greens located in Houston, Texas, uses a combination of hydroponic and no-till soil cultivation methods to produce healthy, nutritious, pesticide- and herbicide-free leafy greens, herbs, and mixed vegetables for the community.
Sweetwater Farms HTX is a family-owned, urban farm located in Houston, Texas. They are 7 minutes from the loop in the middle of a food desert. It sits on 6 acres of land and is primarily used to teach inner city youth about agriculture through its partnership with TWEF. We grow some of the freshest seasonal veggies! Farm visits are reservation are only!
Share the love! Don’t forget to share photos and tag the vendors who provided the ingredients! One of the best ways to support local businesses is by spreading the word and sharing your market finds with friends and family. And of course, if you stop by the Rice Village or Heights Mercantile markets striking up conversations with the vendors will always have you walking away with wonderful recipe ideas.
Ingredients
*indicates ingredients were purchased at my local farmers market
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
*1 inch fresh ginger
3/4 cup chia seeds
Pinch of salt
Toppings
*1 cup milk (can substitute any milk alternative of your choice)
*3 Tbsp. butter (or coconut oil)
1/4 cup maple syrup
Chopped almonds
Fresh or frozen berries
2 Tbsp filtered water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Method
To prep your fruit topping heat 1 Tbsp of butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Once melted add fruit, water, and cinnamon; stir to combine. Let reduce until the mixture has reached a jam-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Keep warm on the side while you cook your oats.
In a pot, bring 4 1/12 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling add both variety of oats, ginger, and salt to the pot. Reduce heat to medium (still want the water to be boiling) and let cook for 10 minutes, partially covered.
After 10 minutes reduce heat to low and add the chia seeds, mixing to fully incooporate the deeds. Simmer on low for another 15 minutes. Remove from heat once the oats are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Spoon the oats in to a bowl and top with warm milk, butter, maple syrup, almonds, and the warm fruit. All toppings are optional, but I promise, they really add to the dish.
If you’re following along from the lovely city of Houston, we hope to see you at the 1st & 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd & 4th Sunday at Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Both markets run from 9-1 pm, with Heights located at 714 Yale St. and Rice located at 2504 Amherst St. These markets operate rain or shine! We will have over 60 vendors, live music, and immaculate vibes.
Thank you for following along and supporting local!
xxCB