SIZZLING RICE SOUP Recipe

RICE;
This step is done the night before,or 1 hour before if the rice is to be dried in a microwave oven.

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven combine rice and water over high heat. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook 10 minutes. Drop heat to low and cook an additional 30 minutes WITHOUT removing lid.

The crusty rice around the sides and bottom will stick to the pan. This will be used in the soup. Take off the top layer of soft rice and reserve for another use.

Lift out the crusty rice and place on a cookie sheet to dry at room temperature, or place in a glass baking dish in a microwave oven for 10 minutes on low.

SOUP:
Toss the strips of chicken breast with 1 T. of the cornstarch. Set aside. In a small container combine remaining 2 T. cornstarch with water and soy sauce. Heat chicken stock just to boiling. Stir in soy mixture and chicken. Simmer 5 minutes. Add the shredded greens, onions and sesame oil, if desired.

Keep the soup hot (but not boiling) while frying rice. Heat oil to 375*F. in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan. Fry rice 3 to 5 minutes until puffed and lightly browned. Be watchful because it can burn quickly.

Lift rice out of the fat with a slotted spoon.

Drain the rice on paper towels and place in heated tureen or bowls. Pour in the soup. Serve at once. Additional fried rice may be passed during the course.

Any crispy rice left over is delicious used in salads or eaten out of hand.