(V) Pumpkin Jook

Ingredients

• ½ cup long-grain white rice, rinsed well
• 1¼  cups fresh pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a 3- to 4-quart heavy pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy, about 1 1/2 hours.

Garnish with any or all of the following:

• thinly sliced scallion
• very finely julienned ginger
• chopped salted peanuts
• Chinese hot oil