Chinese Savoury Rice Porridge with Pumpkin
This comforting, wholesome Chinese Savoury Rice Porridge with Pumpkin is a mild, nourishing dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or when youβre feeling under the weather. Known for its soothing properties, this porridge hails from Guangdong province in China, where it is often served as a simple yet flavorful vegetarian meal. The creamy rice and tender pumpkin combine to create a balanced dish that is both hearty and gentle on the stomach.
In traditional Chinese cuisine, rice porridge is not only a go-to meal during sickness, but also a dish enjoyed on ordinary days, accompanied by herbal teas to help cleanse the body. This recipe offers a perfect blend of savory flavors, and is ideal for a light, yet satisfying dinner. Pair it with the Chinese Bhel Recipe (No Onion, No Garlic) for an even more enjoyable meal!
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 1 cup (cut into cubes) |
| Water (or Vegetable Stock) | 6 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon (freshly crushed) |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon (grated or cut into thin strips) |
| Spring Onion Greens (For garnish) | A handful (chopped) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (For garnish) | A handful (chopped) |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base
In a large saucepan, add the rice, water (or vegetable stock), salt, and ginger. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. The ginger will infuse the porridge with a subtle warmth, perfect for a comforting meal. -
Add the Pumpkin
Once the rice and stock are gently simmering, add the cubed pumpkin to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pumpkin is evenly distributed throughout the porridge. -
Cook Until Tender
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer on low to medium heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally, and cook until the rice has softened and the pumpkin has become tender and slightly mushy. This will create the creamy texture that is characteristic of a good rice porridge. -
Season to Taste
Once the porridge has reached your desired consistency, check the seasoning. Adjust the salt and freshly crushed black pepper to taste. The pepper adds a mild heat, which balances the sweet notes of the pumpkin. -
Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped spring onion greens and fresh coriander leaves on top for a burst of color and freshness. This step enhances the dishβs flavor with a touch of brightness from the herbs.
Serve the Chinese Savoury Rice Porridge with Pumpkin hot and enjoy it as a standalone dish, or pair it with a side of Chinese Bhel (No Onion, No Garlic) for a complete meal on busy weekdays.
Pro Tips
- You can replace water with vegetable stock for an added depth of flavor.
- To make this dish even more flavorful, you can add a small splash of soy sauce for a hint of umami.
- If you prefer a creamier porridge, consider blending a small portion of the pumpkin before adding it to the rice.
This easy-to-make dish is not only nourishing but also a perfect introduction to Chinese-style porridge, which is beloved for its simplicity and comfort.
