Mongolian Fried Millet Porridge
Shar Burts
Shar Burts is a unique and satisfying dish from Mongolia, featuring millet porridge that is fried to a golden crisp. It's a testament to the resourceful use of grains in Mongolian cuisine, offering a delightful contrast of textures and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Millet, rinsed
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cup Milk (optional, for richer flavor)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 4 tbsp Butter or oil for frying
- to taste Sugar (optional, for serving)
- to taste Honey (optional, for serving)
- to taste Dried fruits or nuts (optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millet, water, and milk (if using). Add salt.
💡 Tip: Rinsing the millet removes any bitterness. Using milk will make the porridge richer and creamier. - 2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Cook until the porridge reaches a thick, but still pourable consistency. - 3
Pour the cooked millet porridge into a shallow dish or baking pan. Spread it evenly and let it cool completely. For faster cooling, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
💡 Tip: The porridge needs to be firm enough to cut into shapes for frying. - 4
Once firm, cut the millet porridge into squares or desired shapes.
💡 Tip: Aim for pieces that are about 1-2 cm thick. - 5
Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the millet pieces into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
💡 Tip: Use enough fat to get a good crisp on the porridge. - 6
Fry the millet pieces for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Flip gently to avoid breaking the pieces. - 7
Remove the fried millet pieces from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: This helps to absorb any excess oil. - 8
Serve the Shar Burts warm. Optionally, sprinkle with sugar, drizzle with honey, or top with dried fruits and nuts.
💡 Tip: This dish can be served as a breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the millet is well-cooked and the porridge is firm before frying for the best texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired porridge consistency.
- ✓If you don't have millet, you could experiment with other grains like quinoa or amaranth, though the texture might differ.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the porridge mixture before cooking for added spice.
- For a savory version, omit sugar and honey, and serve with a side of yogurt or a light vegetable relish.
- Incorporate finely chopped dried apricots or raisins into the porridge before it cools for a fruity twist.