Tinutuan (Timorese Vegetable Porridge)
A hearty and nutritious porridge made with a variety of local vegetables, rice, and often enriched with shredded chicken or fish. It's a comforting and versatile dish, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice(rinsed)
- 6 cups Water or Vegetable Broth
- 1 medium Sweet Potato(peeled and diced)
- 1 cup Pumpkin(peeled and diced)
- 1 cup Green Beans(trimmed and chopped)
- 1 cup Corn Kernels(fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups Spinach or Water Spinach(chopped)
- 200 g Chicken Breast or White Fish Fillet(cooked and shredded/flaked (optional))
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Shallots or Onion(chopped)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1-2 Chili (optional)(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, sauté garlic, shallots, and ginger in a little oil until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Use a neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil. - 2
Add the rinsed rice, turmeric powder, and stir to coat the rice grains.
- 3
Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 4
Add the diced sweet potato and pumpkin to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Stir in the green beans and corn. Cook for 5 minutes.
- 6
Add the chopped spinach or water spinach and the cooked chicken or fish (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- 7
Season with salt, black pepper, and chili (if desired). Adjust consistency with more water or broth if needed.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Feel free to add other local vegetables like taro leaves or papaya.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken/fish and use vegetable broth.
- ✓Serve hot, optionally with a side of sambal or soy sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of shrimp paste for a more savory flavor.
- Incorporate other protein sources like boiled eggs or tofu.