Congee Pilaf with preserved lemon

Method

1. Gather and prep everything first: long-grain rice, olive oil, yellow onion and set within reach of the stove.
2. Warm a splash of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then add the celery and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the congee and let it honey-glazed, undisturbed, so it takes on real color before you stir.
4. Stir in the yellow onion along with a good pinch of salt, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the vegetable stock and let it reduce until it just coats the back of a spoon.
6. Taste and adjust, then finish with toasted nuts right before serving.
7. Plate it up while hot and pass extra at the table.