Thin rice porridge sweetened with jaggery — the simple, soothing morning preparation of Manipur eaten by children, the elderly and those recovering from illness.
Ingredients
1/2 cup rice — washed
4 cups water
1/4 cup jaggery — grated and dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of salt
Method
Wash rice in cold water until clear.
Combine rice and 4 cups water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce to medium-low. Cook uncovered stirring every 5 minutes for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice has completely broken down and the porridge is smooth and thin.
The porridge should be pourable — add more water if it becomes too thick.
The starch from the broken-down rice gives it a naturally smooth, slightly sticky consistency.
Add dissolved jaggery. Stir well.
Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. The salt balances the sweetness.