Filipino-American Style Creamy Rice Porridge

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Spanish Gachas with Filipino flavors and ingredients. Instead of using regular milk, we incorporate creamy coconut milk to add a touch of tropical sweetness. Additionally, we enhance the flavors with the warmth of cinnamon, a common spice in Filipino cuisine. The garnishes of toasted coconut flakes, sliced bananas, and honey provide a distinctly Filipino twist, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness. We alse have the original recipe for Gachas, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 4 cups (946ml) water 4 cups (946ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish
• Sliced bananas, for garnish Sliced bananas, for garnish
• Honey, for drizzling Honey, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the rice, water, coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
4. 4.
   Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.
5. 5.
   Serve the creamy rice porridge hot, garnished with toasted coconut flakes, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Cinnamon stick — If you don't have a cinnamon stick, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add more coconut milk or reduce the amount of water.
• Customize your toppings by adding other fruits such as mangoes or strawberries.
• If you prefer a sweeter porridge, adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the porridge before reheating.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy rice porridge hot in individual bowls. Encourage your guests to personalize their porridge by adding their favorite toppings and drizzling honey to taste.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes generously over the creamy rice porridge. Arrange the sliced bananas on top and finish with an artistic drizzle of honey.