Fermented Rice (Pazhamkanji)

In the olden days, fermented rice was a beloved and nutritious breakfast meal in Kerala. Its daily consumption resulted in improved bioavailability of essential nutrients and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, Vitamin B6, and B12. This traditional dish provided necessary energy and nutritional support while keeping the body cool during the day of hard work.

For those unfamiliar with cooking rice, here are the steps:

1. Take 1 cup of boiled brown rice, wash it thoroughly until the water becomes clear, changing the water 4 to 5 times.
2. Put the rice in a pot or pressure cooker, add 4 cups of water, and boil until the rice becomes soft.
3. If using a pressure cooker, switch off the stove after 3 whistles and let it cool. If needed, add hot water once it has cooled. This rice can be used for fermentation.

How To Ferment Rice?

1. Take a mud pot or steel container, add the cooked rice, and pour water (Make sure you use drinking water for fermenting), making sure the water level is at least 2 inches above the rice. If the rice is not strained and you still have the rice water in which the rice was cooked, no need to add extra water; you can use the same rice water (Kanji vellam).
2. Cover with a lid and leave it overnight.

The next morning, transfer the rice along with the water to a deep vessel or bowl. Add some salt for taste, and smash green chilies and small onions (shallot bulbs) (smashing them instead of chopping enhances the flavor) before adding them to the rice. Stir well and consume. For a delightful taste, you can add curd or salted mango. If you have issues like acidity, ulcers, or stomach disorders, avoid adding chili. Fermented rice, when consumed regularly, provides numerous health benefits due to the proliferation of gut-friendly Lactobacillus bacteria, which increases the nutrient content.

By consuming this breakfast, you’ll get a sufficient amount of iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, probiotics, B6, and B12. The iron and B vitamins keep the body cool throughout the day, while the vitamins and minerals strengthen the body and provide energy. Women who consume fermented rice daily may experience improvements in certain menstrual problems. Moreover, Lactobacillus bacteria help in reducing acidity issues. A bowl of fermented rice contains around 200 calories.

It’s important to note that fermented rice is easily digested and absorbed by the body. Therefore, those who consume it regularly should engage in sufficient manual work or exercise to avoid obesity or developing a fat belly. Diabetic patients, obese individuals, and those with a fat belly may want to avoid fermented rice due to its high carbohydrate content, which could lead to increased sugar levels in the body.

In summary, fermented rice offers numerous health benefits, including providing energy for the entire day, reducing fatigue, potentially easing allergies and skin problems, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion, helping to overcome caffeine dependence, and keeping the body cool throughout the day. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal, and stay safe and healthy until we meet again with another recipe. Goodbye for now!

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