Begin with the chicken, if using, poach in the chicken stock for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove and set to one side. Check you still have 1.5 litres of stock, if not top up with water.
Next the rice. Do not rinse, just place in the stock and simmer for 15 minutes, leave it to swell in the stock - don’t drain.
In a wok or deep pan, fry the sliced garlic in the oil until it just begins to colour. Remove two thirds of the slices and set to one side. Add the curry paste and the chopped chillies to the wok or pan and gently cook for a minute. Add the coconut milk, 600ml water, half the lime leaves, fish sauce and honey. Bubble for approximately 5 minutes.
Next, shred the chicken. Add the tomatoes to the congee with the rice, some of the stock, and gently cook for about 2-3 minutes, add more stock if the rice swells too much. Finally the chicken, basil leaves and prepared ginger .
Serve in bowls, topped with the reserved garlic, crushed peanuts, the remaining lime leaves and a wedge of lime.