Traditional Filipino Lugaw with Garlic and Ginger Recipe

A warm and comforting Filipino rice porridge flavored with garlic and ginger.

Lugaw, a quintessential Filipino comfort food, is a savory rice porridge that warms both body and soul. This humble dish, often enjoyed during cold rainy days or times of illness, is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and showcases the simplicity and versatility of ingredients found in many Filipino homes.

What sets Lugaw apart from other rice porridges around the world is its rich infusion of garlic and ginger. The garlic adds a robust flavor profile, while the ginger imparts a subtle warmth that is both aromatic and soothing. This combination not only makes the dish incredibly flavorful but also makes it a traditional remedy for colds and an upset stomach. Join us as we walk through the steps to create this comforting and nourishing dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice (malagkit) or jasmine rice
• 6 cups water or unsalted chicken broth
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 stalks of green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1-2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled (optional, for garnish)
• Calamansi or lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Nutrition

Calories: ~300 calories

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the glutinous or jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a smoother consistency.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and julienne the ginger; mince the garlic; finely chop the onion and green onions. Prepare hard-boiled eggs if using, and set them aside.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, julienned ginger, and chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until the garlic is golden brown and the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the aromatic mixture.
6. Pour in the Liquid: Slowly pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
7. Season the Lugaw: Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
8. Simmer the Lugaw: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the rice.
9. Adjust Consistency: Check the lugaw for desired consistency. If it is too thick, you can add more water or broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
10. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the lugaw and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce, salt, or pepper to taste.
11. Serve: Ladle the lugaw into bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions and sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired. Serve with calamansi or lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.

Enjoy your traditional Filipino Lugaw with Garlic and Ginger, an incredibly warming, soothing, and flavorful rice porridge. This dish is not only a comfort food but also a testament to the Filipino culinary artistry, turning simple ingredients into a feast for both the body and the soul.

Here are some tips and tricks for perfecting your lugaw:

Tip 1: Use glutinous rice for a thicker, creamier texture, and jasmine rice for a lighter, more delicate consistency. You can also mix both types of rice for a balance.

Tip 2: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. It adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall taste.

Tip 3: If fish sauce is not available, soy sauce can be a good alternative, but be mindful of the saltiness and adjust accordingly.

Tip 4: Adding a bit of shredded chicken or pork can make the lugaw more hearty and filling, turning it from a simple porridge into a more substantial meal.

Tip 5: Don't forget to garnish! A sprinkle of green onions and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon really brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich porridge.

Lugaw is a versatile dish that can be adapted according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a variety of toppings, it's sure to provide warmth and comfort in every bite. Happy cooking!