Porridge (Kanji) is one of the simplest and healthiest foods in the traditional Indian diet. Easily made at home with low cost ingredients. It suits all age groups.
Below are different types of porridge commonly used along with simple explanations and modern research-based benefits.
1. Vadi Kanji (Rice water porridge)
After boiling rice, the excess water is drained. This drained rice-water is Vadi Kanji.
- Benefits:
- Rich in natural electrolytes
- Reduce dehydration
- Reduces body heat and inflammation.
- Cooling effect for eyes
- Helps balance Pitta dosha
- Light and easy to digest. Best during fever and stomach upset.
2.Urai Kanji (Fermented Rice water porridge)
When Vadi Kanji is left to rest for a long time, it ferments slightly and develops a curd-like consistency.
Benefits:
- Supports conditions dominated by Pitta dosha.
- May increase Kapha and Vata if taken in excess
- Natural probiotics from fermentation improve gut health
- Helps restore healthy intestinal bacteria.
3. Kothi Kanji
Prepared by collecting the water that rises when rice is boiling.
- Reduces constipation
- Provides simple carbohydrates
- maintain hydration
- Gentle on the digestive system
4. Milk Porridge (Paal Kanji)
Made by boiling raw rice with fresh cow’s milk.
- Reduces body heat Pitta heat)
- Improves brain function and vitality
- Supports reproductive health.
- Milk contains Lysine and Threonine (essential amino acids)
- Cereals are rich in sulphur amino acids (methionine), which balance milk’s deficiency.
Cereal–milk combination becomes a complete protein source.
This makes milk porridge excellent for children’s brain development and elderly nutrition.
5. Nel Pori Kanji (Puffed Rice Porridge
prepared using puffed rice.
Benefits:
1. Relieves burning sensation and neuritis
2. Reduces excessive thirst
3. Light and easy to digest
4. Low-calorie
5. Good for people recovering from illness.
சுரைதரு பாலில் வெந்த சோறுகஞ்சி கொள்ளி
லெரி தரு பித்தந் தாழு மெழுமதி விந்துவந்தான்
பொரி தரு கஞ்சி பித்தம் போக்கிடும் சுடுகஞ்சிக்குத்
தரி தருமலரும் வாய்வுந் தாகமும் போகுங்காணே”
6. Kollu Kanji (Horse Gram Porridge)
Made from horse gram (Kollu) with rice.
Horse gram is rich in essential amino acids, iron, and polyphenols. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in studies.
It helps in weight management and improves metabolism.
கொள்ளுந் தண்டூலமாய்க்கூட்டியடுங் கஞ்சியது
கொள்ளுங் காற்றீபனத்தைக் கூறுவதே – வெள்ளை
நசுக்கிப் பிழிபலமு நல் விந்து விந்துவுமே
வசுக்குங் கிழவர்கட்கும் வை
7. Siru Payaru Kanji (Green Gram + Rice Porridge)
Green gram and rice – reduces Pitta.
Black gram and rice- reduces Vata.
Plain rice porridge reduces Vata and Kapha
1. Green gram provides high-quality protein
2. Easy on the gut healthy
3. Helps in during illness.
சிறு பருப்புக் கஞ்சி பித்தந்தீர்க்கு முழுந்தி
னுரு பருப்புக் கஞ்சி வளிக்கூக்க
–
முறியகபம்
பச்சரிசிக் கஞ்சி பவனகபத்தை ப் போக்குங்
கச் சிறுக்குங் கொங்கை மின்னே காண்”
8. Punar Paaga Kanji (Double-Boiled Rice Porridge)
Cooked by boiling previously drained rice again with water until it becomes runny.
Double-boiled rice becomes softer and easier to digest.
Good for post-illness recovery and elderly nutrition.
Suitable for infants starting solid foods.
புனற்பாக முத்தோடம் போக்கு மருந்தி
னுனற்பாகர் தன்னை யடக்குந் தனிக்குணங்க
1. Helps people recover from serious illnesses.
2. Balances all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha
3. Maintains body temperature and strength.
9. Pancha Mushti Kanji (Five-Handfuls Porridge)
Made using one handful each of:
1. Toor dal
2. Black gram
3. Bengal gram
4.Green gram
5. Raw rice
All tied in separate cloth pieces and boiled together.
*Highly nutritious
*Suitable for weak children, and patients
*Prevents imbalance of body energies
It contains Lysine & Threonine (high in pulses, low in cereal)
Cereals contain Methionine & Tryptophan (low in pulses, high in cereals)
Combining both Complete balanced protein. It provides sustained energy, improves strength, and supports tissue repairing.
10. Mudichu Kanji (Dry Ginger Porridge)
Dried ginger (sukku) tied in cloth into boiling rice porridge.
1. It Relieves joint pain
2. Vata-related disorders
3. Good for urinary issues
4. Reduces excess Pitta
5. improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Useful for nausea,and indigestion.
Conclusion
Traditional porridges are simple, highly nutritious, easily digestible, and suitable for all ages and make them perfect for today’s health-conscious lifestyle.
Dr. Augastina B.S.M.S., PGDY, is a passionate Siddha Doctor with a heart of gold. She believes in healing one step at a time. In her writing, you’ll find not just knowledge, but genuine care and a holistic approach to health and well-being.
