Assamese-style Savory Rice Porridge

Ingredients

In Assamese cuisine, the traditional Upma is adapted to include local ingredients and flavors. Assamese-style savory rice porridge incorporates the use of mustard seeds, a staple in Assamese cooking, which adds a distinct flavor. Additionally, Assamese cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables, such as green peas, carrots, and beans, which are added to the porridge to enhance its nutritional value and taste. We alse have the original recipe for Upma, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green peas 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup beans, chopped 1/2 cup beans, chopped
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
3. 3.
   Add chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped vegetables (carrot, green peas, and beans) and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked rice to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.
6. 6.
   Pour water into the pan and season with salt. Stir everything together.
7. 7.
   Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the porridge reaches a creamy consistency.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Soaking the rice before cooking helps in achieving a softer texture. Ensure that the rice is well-drained before adding it to the pan.
• Mustard seeds — The mustard seeds add a unique flavor to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the quantity of mustard seeds.
• Ginger — Grating the ginger finely ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the porridge.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can roast the mustard seeds and cumin seeds before adding them to the dish.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
• To make the dish more nutritious, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
• Serve the Assamese-style savory rice porridge with a side of yogurt or pickle for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of water while reheating to maintain the porridge's creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Assamese-style savory rice porridge hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and color. Accompany it with a side of yogurt or pickle to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To present the Assamese-style savory rice porridge beautifully, place a sprig of fresh coriander on top of each serving. You can also sprinkle some roasted cumin powder for an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal.