Name: Nugalu Kanji: South Indian Rice Porridge for Comfort and Wellness
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Broken Rice (also known as sona masoori or similar variety. you can also use semolina (sooji) as a substitute.); 1 1/2 cup Water (adjust water amount as needed depending on the type of rice used.); 1 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter; desi ghee preferred for authentic flavor.); 1/4 tsp Cumin Seeds (jeera); 2-3 tbsp Buttermilk (or milk, as preferred.); Salt (or sugar, to taste, as preferred.)

Nugalu Kanji: South Indian Rice Porridge for Comfort and Wellness

7 minutes

861 reads

4.80 from 5 votes

South Indian

About Nugalu Kanji: South Indian Rice Porridge for Comfort and Wellness

Discover Nugalu Kanji, a cherished South Indian rice porridge passed down through generations. This simple yet incredibly comforting recipe is not only delicious but also traditionally used as a soothing remedy for sore throats and coughs, thanks to its gentle digestibility. A natural coolant, it's perfect for lowering body heat and is often recommended for those recovering from illness.

Made with broken rice, fragrant ghee, and cumin seeds, this versatile porridge can be enjoyed in two delightful ways: sweet with milk and sugar, or savory with buttermilk and salt. Its mild flavor makes it suitable for all ages, from toddlers to adults.

This recipe offers a quick and easy path to wellness and delicious comfort food. Try it today and experience the generations of soothing tradition within each bowl.

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook2

Total7

Calories122 kcal

Serves

Served AsBreakfast Brunch Dinner Lunch

Recipe TasteSalty Savoury Sweet

Ingredients

For the Porridge

▢ 1/2 cup Broken Rice also known as sona masoori or similar variety. you can also use semolina (sooji) as a substitute.
▢ 1 1/2 cup Water adjust water amount as needed depending on the type of rice used.

For the Tempering (Tadka)

▢ 1 tbsp Ghee clarified butter; desi ghee preferred for authentic flavor.
▢ 1/4 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera

For Serving

▢ 2-3 tbsp Buttermilk or milk, as preferred.
▢ Salt or sugar, to taste, as preferred.

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Instructions

Prepare the Porridge

Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of broken rice and reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally and cook until the rice is tender and the porridge has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust water if needed.

Make the Tempering (Tadka)

While the porridge simmers, prepare the tempering. Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds and cook until they splutter, about 30 seconds.

Combine and Serve

Pour the hot ghee and cumin tempering over the cooked porridge. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Customize and Enjoy

When serving, add 2-3 tbsp of buttermilk or milk, along with salt or sugar to taste. Mix well and serve immediately. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Nugalu Kanji

For a creamier porridge, use a higher proportion of water and simmer for a longer time.
Experiment with different spices in the tempering, such as a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a deeper flavor.
If using semolina instead of rice, reduce the cooking time significantly, as it cooks much faster. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Adjust the amount of salt or sugar to suit your preference. Some people prefer a slightly sweet porridge, while others prefer it savory.