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I noticed the extended forecast for dreary with a capital D for this weekend and I planned accordingly. Make some Thai jok and have this tea alongside.
First the jok (AKA congee). 6 cups H2O, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 kaffir lime leaves, 1 bruised stalk of lemongrass. Bring to boil. Add 2/3 cup cracked jasmine rice, lower heat and simmer 20 minutes stirring often. Meanwhile toast 2 inch ginger and 3 fat cloves of garlic, both julienned, in neutral oil till brown and add to jok. Crisp up some Thai sausages, cut into chunks and toss in. Slice some snow peas and add at last minute then serve with bean sprouts, fried garlic bits and cilantro. Oh and the tea.
Now for the tea. In the bag it is just a run of the mill green oolong, just enough perfum to set the juices flowing but not extreme. Then I pour the first brew and oh dear, I’m having one of those very special tea moments. The wafting notes of floral bouquets and exotic fruits abound. Then the sip, man oh man, it immediately opens up on the tongue with gobs of thick honey, buttery, gardenia, star fruit and more I can’t describe. This is the best Jade I’ve ever had, ever. Full bodied and long lasting a well structured tea.
Onto the pairing. It was definitely as the weatherman said it would be, 36° and raining. When its like this oatmeal, congee and jok are my go to breakfasts. I can cook and my hubby likes something in his belly before yoga. So the stage was set. The combo of the jok with the lemongrass and lime leaves along with the meat and veg meeting the jade oolong is a top ten culinary experience for me. The flavors all complimented and balanced each other so much I didn’t want it to end.