Treasure bowl of Benefits- A porridge
Porridge we call as “treasure bowl” (also known as genfo, congee, porage, sathumaavu) is a gruel dish made of ground, crushed grains that are boiled with water or milk mostly with oats, rice, wheat, millet and maize. This dish is best served hot and mushy, which is one reason why it is often referred to as ‘comfort food’ by many. The comfort factor also lies in the fact it is easy and simple to make and comes together as a delicious, warm, and nutritious bowl of food.
Traditionally methods of Food Preservation
We go way back in history. Before the introduction of baking ovens and unleavened bread, porridge was one of the most important staples of Asian and European countries. In many Indian places, babies are started with a little solid food at 6 months of age which is also recommended by WHO as the right age to start weaning. And porridges are the power packed meal for babies. And a great way to make your kid a part of Vocal for Local idealogy.
Goodness of Porridge for Babies
● Fulfills all the nutrient requirements, thus helps in overall development
● Makes them feel full for a long time making the baby less cranky
● Helps your baby have normal bowel movements
In a woman’s diet, only the freshest and most useful foods should be used. The answer is simple, you need to eat complex carbohydrates, which are contained, for example, in cereals. Porridge for pregnant women and young mothers is the most optimal way to satisfy hunger, saturate the body with useful substances and vitamins, and do not gain extra pounds.
Let’s dive into exactly why porridge is such a nutritious food option, and why this is a great breakfast option for anyone wanting to reduce their risk of disease.
What’s in Treasure Bowl?
We gladly call the piping hot porridge as a treasure bowl for its plethora of health benefits served in 10 minutes
1. High Protein High Energy Breakfast
If you find yourself drowsy or tired even before the sun shines above, you may be eating the wrong foods. Porridge is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates which are slower to release their energy. Sprinkling some nuts and seeds on top (like said in these easy detox recipes) helps even more! They contain protein and fiber, which help you feel fuller for longer.
2. Need an Immune Boost? Porridge has you Covered!
Surprisingly, porridge can help keep your immune system strong helping you kick those yucky germs. Porridge is a rich source of Vitamin A which can help the body fight off free radicals from the body. Porridge is also high in beta-glucans which helps to keep the immune system strong by actually making your immune response smarter!
3. Food for Strong Bones and Joints
Porridge is a great source of calcium which is important for strengthening bones and teeth.
4. Heart Healthy Diet
With heart disease on the rise, it’s important to take a look at your food choices and see how you can implement some preventative measures. Porridge may be a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. According to a new research study (conducted over the course of 25 years), those who ate porridge had been protected against heart disease! The reason for this is due to porridge’s ability to beat high cholesterol and to soak up fat in the system.
5. Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Whole grains in general are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but porridge is especially great and is rich in zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. A whole grain breakfast option like porridge can also help combat free-radicals!
6. Regulates Blood Pressure
Here’s just one more heart health benefit to add to the list. Porridge helps reduce high blood pressure. A diet that included lots of whole grains such as porridge was just as effective as taking high blood pressure medication!
Look at some savoury porridge recipes
Sathumaavu Kanji
In a pan dry roast all the ingredients ragi, wheat, green gram, kambu, black channa, etc., separately. Dry roast without getting it burnt. Roast till it nicely pops up. Allow this to cool and grind this in a mill. Grinding bulk at home will not be very smooth. Once it is powdered , to make the porridge, for one person take 2 tsp of kanji maavu and dissolve it in 1/2 cup of water without any lumps. Cook this in a low flame till it becomes semi solid consistency.
Sabudhana Kichadi
For this method, rinse the rice and dal in a small pot. Temper the spices in a small pan and then transfer the ingredients to a pot. Add the vegetables like carrot, peas and beans directly to the pot. Pour water and pressure cook for 8 minutes.
Genfo
Firstly, add about 3 cups of water in a pot and a teaspoon of salt and let it boil on a medium heat. Once the water boils, slowly add the flour onto the water while stirring with a wooden spoon. The mixture starts to get extremely thick making it hard to stir. When it gets to that point, stir very hard so there will not be any lumps. When the water gets absorbed, add a little bit more water to the side and continue with your stirring for another 4 or 5 minute until the water gets absorbed. Remove from the heat and add oil or melted butter into a bowl and scoop the genfo into the bowl.
Porridge ranks top 3 in the World’s Least Processed foods that are actually healthy.
Thanks to its whole grain nature.
After reading this, we understand that you may be running to the store to pick up some porridge to eat tomorrow morning! Whether a morning bowl of porridge is your go to breakfast, or if porridge is not on the top of your list of favorite breakfast options, you may want to add this fabulous breakfast option to your daily diet plan. It may just add years to your life. And we’re leaving the link to Porridge range here 😉