Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee), locally known as Congee, is a soothing and nourishing dish. It has been part of the island’s culinary tradition for centuries. It is prepared with simple ingredients like rice, coconut milk, and sometimes herbs or spices. People enjoy it as a wholesome breakfast. Others prefer it as a light, comforting meal. Its smooth texture and delicate flavor make it especially popular for those seeking something gentle yet filling.
In Sri Lanka, rice porridge is more than just food—it carries cultural and medicinal significance. Traditionally, it is served in the morning to start the day with warmth and energy. It is often believed to aid digestion and give a sense of balance. Some variations incorporate mung beans (mung ata congee). Herbs like gotu kola (pennywort) can be added. Ginger and garlic give an added nutritional boost. The combination of rice and coconut milk creates a creamy base. Optional additions like jaggery or a pinch of salt allow it to be tailored to either sweet or savory preferences.
This humble dish is also deeply tied to wellness in Sri Lankan households. It is often served to children and the elderly. It is also served to anyone recovering from illness. This is thanks to its easily digestible consistency and natural nourishment. Beyond the health aspect, Congee holds a place in traditional rituals. It is prepared as an offering or as part of a communal meal during ceremonies.
Sri Lankan rice porridge is a dish that comforts the body and soul. It can be enjoyed plain with a touch of salt. Alternatively, it can be enhanced with herbs and spices for extra flavor. It embodies the simplicity, warmth, and cultural richness of Sri Lankan home cooking.
INGREDIENTS Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
For Stove top and Instant Pot:
- 1 cup white rice see notes 1
- Use between 7 to 10 cups of liquid
- Salt to taste
For Rice cooker:
- ¾ cup white rice see notes 1
- Use between 7 to 8 cups of liquid
- Salt to taste
For curry:
- 250 g Beef cut into small size
- 1 tablespoon Jaffna curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup Carrots grated
- 1/2 cup leeks
- 1 Garlic
- 2 3″ pandan leaves
- Few curry leaves
- 2” Cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon ginger cut into small pieces
- 1 cup coconut cream
🍲 How to Cook Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee / Kenda)
⚖️ Rice-to-Liquid Ratios
Use the same measuring cup for both rice and liquid. Note that the small rice cup that comes with a rice cooker is smaller than a U.S. standard 1-cup measure.
- Very Thick Porridge: 1 part rice to 7 parts liquid
- Thick Porridge: 1 part rice to 8 parts liquid
- Medium-Thick Porridge: 1 part rice to 9 parts liquid (not recommended in a rice cooker, may overflow)
- Medium-Thin Congee: 1 part rice to 10 parts liquid (also not recommended in a full rice cooker batch)
The longer the porridge sits, the thicker it becomes. You can always thin it out by adding more water, stock, or coconut milk before serving.
🔥 Stove top Method
- Prepare the Liquid:
When you’re ready to cook, pour your chosen liquid (water or stock) into a medium-large pot. Use your preferred rice-to-liquid ratio — 9 cups of liquid is a great place to start for a balanced consistency. Bring the liquid to a boil. - Add the Rice:
Add the rice grains directly from the freezer (no need to thaw). Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. - Simmer:
Let it simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. This also prevents burning. The porridge will gradually thicken and turn creamy as the rice releases starch. - Add Protein (Optional):
If you plan to include meat, like chicken, beef, or fish, first let the porridge thicken. Then, add the meat. Make sure the porridge has thickened before adding meat. Stir well and cook until the meat is tender and fully cooked through. - Add Curry Ingredients (Optional):
At this stage, you can add aromatic curry ingredients. These include sliced onions, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, pandan leaves, or a few green chilies for flavor. Stir and cook for a few more minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the porridge. - Finish with Coconut Cream:
Once the meat and spices are cooked, add coconut cream and stir gently. This adds richness and a silky texture to your rice porridge. - Season and Serve:
Add salt to taste, mix well, and serve promptly while the porridge is hot. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut cream or fried shallots if desired.
🍚 Rice Cooker Method for Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
- Add rice and liquid into the rice cooker.
- If your rice cooker has a porridge setting, use it. Otherwise, press cook and let it run one cycle.
- Once it’s done, let the porridge rest for 10–15 minutes to thicken naturally.
- Stir and check consistency — if it’s too thick, add liquid to reach your desired texture.
- Remember: the longer it sits, the thicker it gets.
Rice Cooker Capacity Tips:
- Most rice cookers can only handle up to ¾ cup of rice using the small rice cooker cup.
- Use 7–9 cups of liquid most (based on the rice cooker cup).
- If using a U.S. standard measuring cup, stay below 8 cups of liquid to prevent overflow.
- Always check the max fill line inside your cooker and never exceed it.
⚡ Instant Pot Method for Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
- Combine 1 cup of rice with your chosen water ratio (start with 9 cups for a good consistency).
- Seal the Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for about 10–15 minutes.
- Stir and check the texture — if it’s too thick, add more water or stock.
- To add protein, switch to Sauté mode, bring to a gentle boil, add the meat, and cook until done.
- Season with salt and serve warm.
❄️ Freezing and Storing Tips for Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
- Divide 1 cup of cooked rice into freezer-friendly bags.
- Store frozen rice for up to 3 months — convenient for quick porridge prep anytime.
- To use, thaw slightly and cook as usual with your preferred rice-to-liquid ratio.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
1. Classic Savory Congee:
Serve the porridge hot with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of coconut cream. Garnish with fried onions, fresh curry leaves, or sliced green chilies for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with spicy side dishes. You can try lunu miris (chili onion sambol), fried dry fish, or a small serving of coconut sambol.
2. Herbal Congee (Kola Congee):
To make a more traditional version, blend leafy greens. Use options like gotu kola, moringa leaves, spinach, or curry leaves. This version is nutrient-rich. Add a little water to the leaves. Add the mixture toward the end of cooking. This gives the porridge a vibrant green color and a boost of vitamins and minerals.
3. Sweet Coconut Porridge:
Make your porridge a comforting sweet dish. Add jaggery (or brown sugar), a pinch of salt, and a splash of thick coconut milk at the end. For aroma, add cardamom, pandan leaves, or a piece of cinnamon stick while simmering.
4. Protein-Rich Version:
Add shredded chicken, fish, or minced beef once the porridge thickens for a hearty and filling meal. Finish with a touch of coconut cream to make it rich and silky.
5. Ginger-Garlic Congee:
Add freshly grated ginger and crushed garlic while simmering. This creates an aromatic, immunity-boosting version. It is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
6. Spicy Breakfast Bowl:
Top your porridge with a spoonful of chili paste. You can also use pol sambol. Add a boiled egg and a squeeze of lime.
Notes and Tips for Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
- Rice type: Use short-grain or Sri Lankan red raw rice for the best creamy texture. Jasmine or white raw rice also works well for a milder version.
- Rinsing: You can briefly rinse the rice to remove excess starch or impurities. Still, it’s not always necessary if the rice is pre-washed.
- Rice-to-liquid ratio: Start with 1:9 (rice to water/stock) for medium-thick porridge. Adjust the ratio depending on how thick or thin you prefer it. Remember — porridge thickens as it sits.
- Cooking time: The porridge will start to turn creamy after 20 minutes of simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Coconut milk: Add thick coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking for a smooth, rich flavor. Adding it too early can cause it to separate.
- Protein options: Add meat like chicken, beef, or fish once the porridge has thickened. This ensures the rice and meat cook evenly without overcooking the protein.
- Flavor boost: Enhance your porridge by adding curry leaves, pandan leaves, or sliced onions. You can also use green chilies or a small piece of ginger. These ingredients add aroma and warmth.
- Rice cooker caution: Do not overfill your rice cooker. Stick to ¾ cup of rice with 7–9 cups of liquid (based on the rice cooker measuring cup). Exceeding the limit will cause overflow.
- Freezer prep: Freezing pre-cooked rice in small portions (1 cup per bag) makes future cooking faster. You can cook it straight from frozen — no thawing needed.
- Adjusting consistency: If the porridge thickens, stir in more water, stock, or coconut milk. Continue until it reaches your desired texture.
- Serving ideas: Serve hot with jaggery for a sweet version. Garnish with fried onions, green chilies, or herbs for a savory bowl.
Video
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Sri Lankan Congee made of?
A1: Sri Lankan congee, or rice porridge, is made with rice, water or stock, and coconut milk. It can be flavored with herbs, curry leaves, pandan, or ginger. It may also optionally include meat, fish, or leafy greens for extra nutrition.
Q2: What type of rice is best for making Congee?
A2: Short-grain rice or Sri Lankan red raw rice works best for traditional Congee. You can also use white raw rice or jasmine rice for a softer texture and milder flavor.
Q3: Can I make Sri Lankan rice porridge in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
A3: Yes! You can easily make Kenda in a rice cooker using the porridge setting or one cooking cycle. For Instant Pot, cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 10–15 minutes.
Q4: Why does my rice porridge become very thick after cooking?
A4: Porridge naturally thickens as it cools and sits because the rice continues to absorb liquid. To thin it out, stir in more hot water, stock, or coconut milk before serving.
Q5: Can I prepare rice porridge ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently with a little added liquid to restore the desired consistency.
Q6: Can I freeze rice porridge?
A6: It’s best to freeze the raw rice instead of the cooked porridge. Pre-wash and divide the rice into freezer-safe bags, then cook directly from frozen when needed. Cooked porridge tends to change texture after freezing.
Q7: What can I serve with Sri Lankan Congee?
A7: Serve it with lunu miris (spicy onion sambol) or pol sambol (coconut relish). You can also try fried dried fish. Choose jaggery if you prefer a sweet version.
Q8: How do I make Kola Congee (Herbal Porridge)?
A8: Blend leafy greens like gotu kola, moringa leaves, or spinach with water. Add this mixture toward the end of cooking and finish with coconut milk for a smooth, green, and nutrient-rich porridge.
Q9: Can I make a vegan version?
A9: Absolutely. Use vegetable stock or plain water as the base. Add coconut milk or coconut cream for richness. No animal products are needed.
Q10: Can I make Sri Lankan porridge without coconut milk?
A10: Yes, you can make a lighter version with just water, but coconut milk adds richness and a creamy texture.
Q11: Is Sri Lankan rice porridge eaten sweet or savory?
A11: Both! Sweet versions include jaggery, while savory ones are seasoned lightly with salt, ginger, or herbs.
Q12: Is Sri Lankan rice porridge good for digestion?
A12: Yes, its soft texture and mild flavors make it gentle on the stomach. It is ideal for children, elders, or anyone unwell.
Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee)
Sri Lankan Rice Porridge (Congee), locally known as Kenda, is a soothing and nourishing dish that has been part of the island’s culinary tradition for centuries. Prepared with simple ingredients such as rice, coconut milk, and sometimes herbs or spices, it is enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast or as a light, comforting meal. Its smooth texture and delicate flavor make it especially popular for those seeking something gentle yet filling.
Ingredients
For Stove top and Instant Pot:
- 1 cup white rice see notes 1
- Use between 7 to 10 cups of liquid
- Salt to taste
For Rice cooker:
- ¾ cup white rice see notes 1
- Use between 7 to 8 cups of liquid
- Salt to taste
For curry:
- 250g Beef cut into small size
- 1 tablespoon Jaffna curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup Carrots grated
- 1/2 cup leeks
- 1 Garlic
- 2 3" pandan leaves
- Few curry leaves
- 2'' Cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon ginger cut into small pieces
- 1 cup coconut cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Liquid: When you’re ready to cook, pour your chosen liquid (water or stock) into a medium-large pot. Use your preferred rice-to-liquid ratio — 9 cups of liquid is a great place to start for a balanced consistency. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add the Rice: Add the rice grains directly from the freezer (no need to thaw). Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium.
- Simmer: Let it simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. This also prevents burning. The porridge will gradually thicken and turn creamy as the rice releases starch.
- Add Protein (Optional): If you plan to include meat, like chicken, beef, or fish, first let the porridge thicken. Then, add the meat. Make sure the porridge has thickened before adding meat. Stir well and cook until the meat is tender and fully cooked through.
- Add Curry Ingredients (Optional): At this stage, you can add aromatic curry ingredients. These include sliced onions, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, pandan leaves, or a few green chilies for flavor. Stir and cook for a few more minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the porridge.
- Finish with Coconut Cream: Once the meat and spices are cooked, add coconut cream and stir gently. This adds richness and a silky texture to your rice porridge.
- Season and Serve: Add salt to taste, mix well, and serve promptly while the porridge is hot. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut cream or fried shallots if desired.
Notes
- Rice type: Use short-grain or Sri Lankan red raw rice for the best creamy texture. Jasmine or white raw rice also works well for a milder version.
- Rinsing: You can briefly rinse the rice to remove excess starch or impurities. Still, it’s not always necessary if the rice is pre-washed.
- Rice-to-liquid ratio: Start with 1:9 (rice to water/stock) for medium-thick porridge. Adjust the ratio depending on how thick or thin you prefer it. Remember — porridge thickens as it sits.
- Cooking time: The porridge will start to turn creamy after 20 minutes of simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Coconut milk: Add thick coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking for a smooth, rich flavor. Adding it too early can cause it to separate.
- Protein options: Add meat like chicken, beef, or fish once the porridge has thickened. This ensures the rice and meat cook evenly without overcooking the protein.
- Flavor boost: Enhance your porridge by adding curry leaves, pandan leaves, or sliced onions. You can also use green chilies or a small piece of ginger. These ingredients add aroma and warmth.
- Rice cooker caution: Do not overfill your rice cooker. Stick to ¾ cup of rice with 7–9 cups of liquid (based on the rice cooker measuring cup). Exceeding the limit will cause overflow.
- Freezer prep: Freezing pre-cooked rice in small portions (1 cup per bag) makes future cooking faster. You can cook it straight from frozen — no thawing needed.
- Adjusting consistency: If the porridge thickens, stir in more water, stock, or coconut milk. Continue until it reaches your desired texture.
- Serving ideas: Serve hot with jaggery for a sweet version. Garnish with fried onions, green chilies, or herbs for a savory bowl.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 11g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
