West African Spiced Porridge

Ingredients

While the original Bubur Lambuk from Malaysian cuisine is a sweet and creamy porridge, the West African Spiced Porridge takes a savory approach. The use of traditional West African spices like ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, the inclusion of vegetables and protein-rich ingredients like chicken or beef enhances the nutritional value and makes it a wholesome meal. We alse have the original recipe for Bubur lambuk, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken or beef, shredded 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken or beef, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir for a minute to coat it with the aromatics.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the porridge has thickened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cayenne pepper, ground coriander, and ground turmeric.
6. 6.
   Add the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken or beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the West African Spiced Porridge hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Grate it finely to ensure it blends well with the porridge.
• Chicken or beef — Cook the meat beforehand and shred it into small pieces for easy incorporation into the porridge.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Customize the vegetables according to your preference or seasonal availability.
• To make it more filling, serve the porridge with a side of crusty bread or plantains.
• Experiment with different protein options like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the West African Spiced Porridge in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra ground coriander or turmeric on top of the porridge. Serve it in colorful bowls or traditional West African pottery for an authentic touch.