As winter descends upon India, bringing with it chilly mornings, foggy evenings, and the looming threat of seasonal colds, the search for warm, soothing comfort food becomes inevitable. While many of us turn to traditional remedies like dalia, kadha, or steaming bowls of soup, Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor has taken a slightly different route this season. According to his celebrity chef, Harsh Dixit, Ranbir has been indulging in congee, a slow-cooked East-Asian rice porridge, which is both comforting and nourishing during the colder months.

Chef Harsh Dixit, renowned for catering to the tastes of Bollywood stars such as Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Athiya Shetty, and athletes like KL Rahul, describes congee as a dish that is “light on the stomach, fantastic for gut health, and surprisingly energising.” For Ranbir Kapoor, this warm rice porridge has become a winter staple, moving beyond the simple dalia porridge that many Indians rely on for immunity and warmth. Unlike traditional Indian porridges, congee requires slow cooking, allowing the rice to break down completely and absorb the flavours of a rich broth, creating a smooth, silky texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

The beauty of congee, Chef Harsh points out, lies in its versatility. For Ranbir Kapoor, his preferred version involves a subtle corn congee that provides natural sweetness and comfort, reminiscent of the monsoon months. KL Rahul, known for his pescatarian diet, enjoys his congee prepared with fish or crab broth, highlighting the adaptability of the dish to different dietary preferences. However, the true magic of this porridge, according to the chef, comes from the crispy chilli oil that accompanies it — a punchy, aromatic condiment that adds a spicy crunch to each mouthful.

The chilli oil is a labour of love, combining layers of flavours and textures. Chef Harsh uses a mix of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, peanuts, and Sichuan peppercorns, then adds Kashmiri chilli powder and occasionally Guntur chillies sourced from Andhra Pradesh. “It’s fried but not oily, crunchy but layered,” he says. This oil transforms the simple porridge into a complex, flavourful dish, balancing the mild, soothing base of the congee with intense aromatic heat.

For those interested in recreating this comforting winter dish at home, Chef Harsh shares his recipe.

Congee with Crispy Chilli Oil (Serves 4)

Ingredients for the congee:

• 150g jasmine rice
• 600ml chicken stock or water
• 7.5g salt
• 5g castor sugar
• 2.5g white pepper
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Method:

1. Add jasmine rice and chicken stock to your Instant Pot or a slow-cooking pot.
2. Set it to slow cook and allow the mixture to bubble gently for 90–120 minutes, until the rice grains break down completely into a smooth porridge.
3. Stir in salt, sugar, and white pepper to balance the flavour.
4. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve hot for a warming winter meal.

Ingredients for the crispy chilli oil:

• 4 tbsp neutral oil (rice bran or sunflower oil)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• Salt, to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and shallots, cooking until golden and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and mix in sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and Sichuan peppercorns.
4. Finally, add the chilli powder and salt, allowing the flavours to infuse as the oil cools. Serve alongside the congee.

Congee’s appeal extends beyond its health benefits. The warm, soft texture of the rice, combined with the punchy heat of the chilli oil, makes it a comfort food that is both satisfying and light. For Ranbir Kapoor, this winter ritual not only keeps him nourished but also offers a mindful pause in his hectic schedule, blending wellness with indulgence.

Celebrity chef Harsh Dixit’s meticulous approach to crafting each element ensures that the dish retains its authenticity while catering to the unique tastes of his clients. From sourcing high-quality ingredients to carefully balancing flavours, the process highlights how comfort food can be elevated into a gourmet experience. This combination of nutrition, warmth, and flavour makes congee with crispy chilli oil an ideal winter dish not just for celebrities, but for anyone looking to nourish their body and soul.

Whether you are battling the winter chills, recovering from a bout of seasonal flu, or simply craving a hearty, warm meal, congee with crispy chilli oil is an easy yet luxurious option. Its adaptability allows for variations that suit different dietary needs, whether vegetarian, pescatarian, or meat-based, making it a versatile addition to any winter menu.

In conclusion, as the mercury drops and the season of soups, porridges, and hot drinks arrives, Ranbir Kapoor’s winter favourite offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Indian comfort foods. With its smooth texture, nourishing base, and spicy, crunchy accompaniments, this dish is a perfect example of how global culinary influences can be seamlessly integrated into Indian home kitchens. Thanks to Chef Harsh Dixit, fans and food enthusiasts now have the opportunity to bring a piece of Bollywood-inspired winter warmth into their own homes. So, fire up the slow cooker, prepare the chilli oil, and enjoy a bowl of this celebrity-approved congee, a dish that promises both comfort and flavour with every spoonful.