Preserved lemon Congee Plate

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 fennel bulb and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the congee and let it caramelized, undisturbed, so it takes on real color before you stir.
4. Stir in the black pepper along with a good pinch of salt, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the cream and let it reduce until it just coats the back of a spoon.
6. Taste and adjust, then finish with a knob of butter right before serving.
7. Serve warm, ideally with something to soak up the sauce.