Rice is the staple grain when it comes to South Indian diets. To manage the heavy tropical heat and nutrition often rice-based soups form the main meal. Kanji or congee are simple meals with soft-cooked regional rice varieties. Earlier we had paal kanji with navara rice, which is also a similar preparation. A thin rice gruel paired with yardbeans thoran, chammadi and papadam is usually a well balanced full meal that keeps up the hydration and mineral levels. This is what most kanji varieties aim to achieve.
The matta rice
Kerala’s trademark rice commonly called Rose matta or Palakkadan matta is a parboiled red rice variety. Compared to white rice this matta rice variety is claimed to have a lower glycaemic index. Retaining the outer bran the rice is harder to cook, yet sweet to taste. To a regular basmati eater, the grains of cooked matta is generously globular and big. The matta rice has been studied for a whole range of health benefits. To a Keralites, the rose matta features in all the meals -from breakfast to dinner.
Payaru kanji
Unlike a simple rice gruel, payaru kanji is a bit more elaborate and presents as a thicker soup variety. Soft cooked rose matta and whole green gram in excess of water is just a basic kanji. With a touch of salt, this is very tasty but doesn’t really make it creamy payaru kanji. The fragrant tempering of shallots with roasted cumin seeds in coconut oil and the coconut milk added makes this congee variety more than just a gruel.
Payarukanji is the main meal during Easter lent among many Keralites. Paired with some pickled lemons, thoran or vattal kondattam you have an elaborate meal ready with this kanji. Not only is this recipe vegan, nut-free, gluten-free it is also low food map as the main ingredient is rice.
Payaru Kanji
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
To cook the kanji
- 1/2 cup parboiled rice ( Rose matta rice)
- 1/4 cup mung bean
- 5 cups drinking water
To temper and add to the kanji.
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the rice and green gram a couple of times.
- Add the 5 cups of water and soak the rice and bean mix for 1 hour.
- Add the water and the soaked rice and bean mix into the pressure cooker.
- Pressure cooke on medium heat for 5 whistles.
- Remove from heat and let the pressure release naturally.
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mash the cooked rice and beans gently.
- Add a cup of coconut milk and set it aside.
- In a small pan , add the coconut oil and heat to medium heat.
- Add teh cumin seeds and the curry leaves and let them roast.
- Add the tempering to the prepared kanji and stir in.
- Keep it covered for 5 minutes so teh flavours infuse.
- Serve the kanji with pickled lemon or papadam.
Hope you enjoy some of these authentic Kerala dishes that we try to bring forth to you. Click on the highlighted ones to see related recipes. When you make some of these, tag us #mildlyindian. We will love to hear your feedback on our recipes.
Making of rice and moong bean separately and then eating them jointly, is something happens everywhere. But pairing them both in one pot, that too in such a delicious manner sounds amazing.
The soup-like consistency and the coconut milk makes a huge difference.
Such an easy and super healthy recipe Seema. I remember my mum would make simple kanji whenever we had tummy ailments. Your payaru kanji with moong and coconut milk is a must try recipe.
I agree, Kanji is when we don’t feel 100 per cent, yet so nutritious and light. Though there are many more preparations called kanji, they are actually tasty soups in Kerala cuisine.
Lovely. The recipe and ingredients are not alien but the method is definitely new to me.
There is always some fun in trying new ideas, isn’t it?
I heard about different varieties of kanji but this one is new to me. Just few ingredients and we can make a healthy bowl of kanji.
Yes,this is kinds of a lesser-known recipe. When you try it use rose matta rice it makes a huge difference.
Wow, what a comforting and delicious recipe this is. Packed with protein, this is a great dish to have any time of the day.
It is a good warm soup. We love it for dinner on winter days.
It’s a very new recipe for me never heard of it before but it sounds so nutritious and delicious. I love such simple dishes so will definitely try it.
These are obviously the lesser known family recipes from Kerala. Not the mainframe ones which we find often, but, it is the simplicity of the recipe is the one hat makes you love it. Try it with matta rice.
Love this kanji recipe, traditional recipes for minor health conditions are best. Such a delicious-looking dish.
This sounds very yum and healthy! I would love to try this with matta rice. Thanks for the recipe.