Lugaw Recipe: A Comforting Filipino Rice Porridge
Lugaw, also known as arroz caldo, is a beloved Filipino rice porridge that's perfect for a cozy night in or when you're feeling under the weather. Its savory broth, tender rice, and flavorful toppings make it a truly comforting dish. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and authentic lugaw at home.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Broth:
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked glutinous rice (malagkit) – This is crucial for that creamy texture!
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, smashed
- 2-3 pieces of chicken thighs or drumsticks (optional, for a richer broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken, or you can use leftover roasted chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions or green onions
- 1/4 cup toasted garlic (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Fried shallots (optional, but adds a nice crunch!)
- Fish sauce (patis), to taste (optional, for extra umami)
- Ground white pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Step-by-Step Lugaw Recipe:
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Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine water, glutinous rice, chicken broth (if using chicken), onion, garlic, and ginger. If using chicken, add it to the pot as well. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is completely cooked and the broth has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and Strain (Optional): Remove the chicken pieces (if using) and shred the meat, setting it aside. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother broth, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve at this stage.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the lugaw into bowls. Top with shredded chicken, chopped scallions, toasted garlic, fried shallots (if using), a drizzle of fish sauce (optional), and a dash of ground white pepper (optional).
Tips for the Perfect Lugaw:
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Glutinous Rice is Key: Using glutinous rice is essential for achieving the creamy, porridge-like texture of lugaw. Don't substitute with regular long-grain rice.
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Adjust the Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker lugaw, simmer it for a longer time or add less water. For a thinner lugaw, add more water.
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Get Creative with Toppings: While the toppings listed above are traditional, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Hard-boiled eggs, chopped spring onions, and even a squeeze of calamansi (Philippine lime) can add delicious flavor variations.
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Make it Ahead: Lugaw can be made ahead of time and reheated. It actually tastes even better the next day!
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This recipe provides a delicious and authentic lugaw experience. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag #lugawrecipe on social media!