Macedonian Rice Porridge

Ingredients

While the original Filipino Lugaw is made with chicken broth and often garnished with crispy garlic and scallions, the Macedonian Rice Porridge takes inspiration from Greek cuisine. It incorporates Mediterranean flavors such as olive oil, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices to create a unique taste profile. Additionally, the Macedonian version may include ingredients like lemon zest or feta cheese for added tanginess and richness. We alse have the original recipe for Lugaw, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest, for garnish Lemon zest, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish (optional) Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the oil.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the porridge has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
6. 6.
   Serve the Macedonian Rice Porridge hot, garnished with a sprinkle of lemon zest, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese (if desired).

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Arborio rice is essential for achieving the creamy texture of the porridge. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
• Feta cheese — If you prefer a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can sauté the rice in olive oil before adding the broth.
• Adjust the consistency of the porridge by adding more broth if desired.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor profile.
• Serve the porridge with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian Rice Porridge in individual bowls, allowing each person to garnish their own portion with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese (if desired). Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the porridge just before serving. Sprinkle some additional fresh herbs over the dish for a pop of color.