There's absolutely no dearth of comfort foods in the Indian cuisine. Khichdi, dal, sambar and many such easy dishes cloud our mind the moment we speak of comfort food. But what is it about all these delicacies that make them an ultimate comfort food for a majority of Indians? Perhaps it is the combination of rice and lentils along with subtle spices to make it a yummy, wholesome meal. Don't you agree? Every regional cuisine boasts of a soothing rice and dal dish that is common in many Indian households. Be it North India's affair with khichdi or south India's staple rasam rice or sambar made with dal.
(Also Read: Gur-Poha Recipe: A Warm And Scrumptious Porridge For Wholesome Breakfast During Winters)
There are some interesting dishes in south Indian cuisine that can satiate and soothe your tummy and taste buds like nothing else. Nombu Kanji, for instance, is a porridge-like dish from Tamil Nadu that is popularly made during the time of Ramadan season for iftar in the evening. Made with rice, lentils, spices and coconut, Nombu Kanji is a one-pot wholesome meal full of nutrition that is enough to fill you up instantly, providing the much-needed energy. It is light and traditionally made with as little spices as possible. Nombu Kanji is said to have been first developed by Mr Pulavar Asan Mohideen, a Tamil hotel owner in Burma who later introduced it in his home town in Shengottai, Tamil Nadu. He distributed the dish in the mosque to all the people who came for iftar in the evening. Since then, Nombu Kanji becomes an official Iftar meal across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, Nombu Kanji is one dish that can be savoured at any time or occasion, especially if you need a break with lavish spreads or are feeling under the weather. This comforting dish is sure to soothe you!
(Also Read: 4 Soothing Savoury And Sweet Porridge Recipes To Try)
How To Make Nombu Kanji | Nombu Kanji
While traditionally, Nombu Kanji is made with meat, vegetarians may just use vegetables. It requires ground rice combined with moong dal, sautéed with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, chillis and cardamom along with onion and ginger-garlic paste and fenugreek seeds. Pressure-cook this mix until a porridge-like consistency, mix with coconut and coriander leaves and serve hot.
Click here for the full recipe of Nombu Kanji.
Try this comforting and wholesome Nombu Kanji at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.