Aromatic, Nutritious, & Soulful, Nombu Kanji From Southern India Is Ramadan’s Most Comforting Dish

If there is one dish that perfectly represents the spirit of Ramadan in South India, it’s Nombu Kanji. An iftar staple, this porridge is warm, nourishing, and flavourful. It is lovingly prepared in homes and mosques across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. After a long day of fasting, the comfort this dish offers is remarkable. Rooted in tradition, it is certainly a symbol of togetherness during Ramadan. Read on to learn more about this special dish.

Nombu Kanji: The Soul-Soothing Ramadan Porridge

Nombu Kanji is essentially a slow-cooked rice and lentil porridge with coconut milk, vegetables, or meat. Its flavours come from warming spices like cumin and pepper. Once cooked, it becomes a thick, fragrant, and soul-satisfying dish that is easy on the stomach after a day of fasting.

Because of its bold and aromatic seasoning, it is sometimes referred to as Biriyani Kanji. However, unlike the heavy and rich biryani, this porridge is light, smooth, and incredibly soothing. Served hot in bowls, it is usually paired with crispy vadas, samosas, or pickles. 

Heavy meals can be difficult to digest after an entire day of fasting. Nombu Kanji, with its soft texture and mild flavours, is the perfect alternative. This combination of rice, lentils, and coconut milk also provides instant energy and essential nutrients.

Considered a community food during Ramadan, this dish is often cooked in large batches in mosques and shared with everyone. There are quite a few variations of this wholesome dish, which change based on the region or even individual households. While some prefer to keep it vegetarian, others incorporate meat to add richness. 

Coastal regions often use coconut milk to keep the consistency lighter, while some prefer a thicker version made with coconut paste. A relatively modern variation replaces rice with oats and cabbage for a healthier twist. However, no matter which version you try, the dish remains heartwarming.

Also Read: Lucknow Ramadan Food Trail: 15 Must-Visit Places That Must Be On Your List

How To Make It At Home

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw rice
• ¼ cup moong dal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, chopped
• 5–6 green beans, chopped
• 1 slit green chilli
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup thick coconut milk
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

Method: 

1. First, wash the rice and lentils together and soak them for a few minutes.
2. Next, heat some ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds, crushed pepper, and slit green chili. Sauté in the ghee until aromatic.
3. Add onions and ginger-garlic paste, and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the soaked rice and lentils to the pan, then add chopped vegetables, salt, and 4 cups of water. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the mixture turns soft and mushy.
5. Finally, stir in the coconut milk and let it sit for another few minutes.
6. Garnish the Nombu Kanji with fresh coriander leaves and serve it warm with chutneys or crispy snacks.

Once you start making this dish, the aromas while cooking will instantly excite you to take the first bite. The comfort this dish brings after a long day of fasting is undeniable. Whether you enjoy it in a mosque or make it at home, Nombu Kanji is simple, made with love, and absolutely nourishing.

Cover Image Courtesy: டென்டிஸ்ட் பட்டாம்பூச்சி/X

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