Kerala Kanjiyum Payarum

Kerala Kanjiyum Payarum

Payaru kanji is a porridge made with rice and whole green gram. It is filling and easily digestible. This comfort food is easy to make and very nutritious.

The below recipe makes use of Rosematta rice. This rice is native to Kerala and has a host of health benefits. Besides having high magnesium content, it is also good for hypertension and diabetes control.

Ingredients:

• Kerala Rosematta rice or parboiled rice – 1/2 cup
• Green gram (pachaipayaru/cherupayar) – 1/4 cup

To Grind:

• Coconut – ¼ cup
• Small onions – 3
• Green chillies – 4
• Cumin (jeeragam in Tamil) – ½ tsp
• Salt to taste

Method

• Wash the rice and green gram in water. Pressure cook both together.
• To pressure cook, add 4 cups of water to the rice and green gram and cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat.
• Meanwhile, grind together all the items listed under “to grind” into a fine paste.
• Once the pressure subsides, open the cooker and cook for another 5 minutes stirring frequently. Add salt to taste.
• Then mix in freshly ground coconut paste. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
• Adjust the consistency of the kanji by adding water.

Serve hot!

This meal is an easily digestible one; it is a light meal but a rehydrating and energy-boosting meal as well.