R Madhavan loves this rice-based dish: ‘It’s the most cooling, filling, and calming breakfast’

Actor R Madhavan, popularly called Maddy, doesn’t need any introduction regarding his acting skills. But we did not know as many things about his diet until the Shaitaan actor recently opened up about it.

“Believe it or not…kanji, or overnight fermented boiled rice, which is taken with curd and tadka (mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida, green chilies, onions, and salt) is the most cooling, filling, and calming breakfast that I can ever have,” Madhavan told Curly Tales’ Kamiya Jani.

Is it nutritious? “It is supposed to be extremely nutritious and high energy. Although I feel really sleepy after having it,” said Madhavan in jest.

Here’s why you should have rice kanji (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Is overnight fermented rice or rice gruel good for you?

Experts suggest that kanji does make for a comforting meal, especially when one is sick or has an upset stomach.

“This is because it is prepared with a much higher quantity of water as compared to the grain, and cooked till a mushy consistency is obtained. It does not allow any flare-ups in the stomach, heals stomach pains, and diarrhea,” shared clinical dietitian Garima Goyal in a previous interaction with indianexpress.com.

Kanji is 80-90 percent water, so it is refreshing and hydrating, shared Goyal. “Since it has more proportion of water than grain, this porridge provides fewer calories (30 kcal/100 g porridge) as compared to plain rice’s 100 kcal/100 g. More the amount of water you add, lesser is the carbohydrate content. Also, rice kanji is more filling than plain rice and reduces hunger pangs,” said Goyal.

Anything that is homecooked gets a thumbs up, said Dr Nandini Sarwate, chief nutritional advisor at Utopian Drinks. “Opting for alternatives like overnight kanji or fermented rice with curd provides a nutritious option compared to highly processed, sugary foods lacking in nutritional value,” said Dr Sarwate.

Having said that, consuming leftovers frequently is not a good idea, said Dr Sarwate. “According to Ayurveda, Indian cuisine is categorised into three main types: Tamsik, Rajasic, and Satvik. Tamasic foods are those that dull the mind and induce inertia and confusion. These include stale or reheated dishes, excessively oily or heavy foods, as well as artificial, non-vegetarian, packaged, and fried items. These tamsik foods tend to create lethargy in your body throughout the day,” said Dr Sarwate.

Consuming foods that are fresh, light, and easier to digest will always have its benefits. “Incorporating Satvik choices into one’s diet aligns with Ayurvedic guidelines for optimal nutrition and well-being,” said Dr Sarwate.

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