Kanji Drink Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Kanji drink, a traditional healing rice porridge beverage. This best easy baking recipe transforms simple rice into a comforting, spice-infused drink perfect for cold days or when feeling under the weather. The secret is slow simmering and aromatic spices.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g white rice (preferably short-grain)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 litre water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml coconut milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g jaggery (or palm sugar/brown sugar)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cinnamon sticks</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground nutmeg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Ground cinnamon for garnish</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer (optional)</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the finished drink from becoming too gluey. Drain well. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 litre of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the cinnamon sticks and crushed cardamom pods to the simmering rice. These whole spices will slowly infuse their aromatic compounds into the liquid as it cooks, creating a more complex flavor than using ground spices from the start. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice will begin to break down and the mixture will thicken considerably. You're looking for the rice grains to completely soften and partially disintegrate into the liquid. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Once the rice has broken down, add the coconut milk, jaggery, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine and dissolve the jaggery completely. The coconut milk adds creaminess while the jaggery provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that's more complex than regular sugar. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Continue to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the coconut milk from separating. The mixture should become smooth and have a pourable but slightly thick consistency, similar to a creamy soup. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> If you prefer a completely smooth drink, remove the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods, then carefully blend the mixture using an immersion blender, or let it cool slightly before transferring to a standard blender. Alternatively, for a more traditional texture with some rice pieces, simply remove the whole spices. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Pour the warm kanji drink into mugs and dust lightly with ground cinnamon. The drink should be served warm, not scalding hot, to best appreciate its subtle spice notes and comforting qualities. If the mixture thickens too much upon standing, simply whisk in a little more warm water or milk to reach your desired consistency. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Kanji Drink Recipe?

Traditional Kanji Drink requires white rice (preferably short-grain), water, coconut milk, jaggery (or palm sugar), cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt. It's garnished with ground cinnamon for a warming aromatic finish.

How to cook Kanji Drink Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Kanji Drink Recipe by first rinsing rice until water runs clear, then simmering it with water and whole spices until it breaks down (about 25 minutes). Add coconut milk, jaggery, and ground spices, simmer for 5 more minutes, then strain or blend if desired. The key is slow cooking to extract all the healing properties and flavours.

Is this rice porridge drink suitable for someone with a cold or flu?

Absolutely! This warming beverage is traditionally used as a healing drink. The cinnamon and cardamom have anti-inflammatory properties, while the easy-to-digest rice provides gentle nourishment. The warm liquid helps soothe sore throats and the spices can help clear congestion.

Can I make this rice porridge drink dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written, using coconut milk rather than dairy. If you prefer a different plant milk, almond or oat milk can be substituted, though coconut milk provides the traditional creaminess and complements the spice flavours best.

How long will leftover spiced rice drink keep in the refrigerator?

Leftover Kanji will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The drink will thicken considerably when chilled; simply reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.

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