Champorado: A Filipino Chocolate Porridge Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Growing up in a Filipino household, breakfast often had a comforting, warm vibe. It's a good old tradition steeped in love, where food could make your day just a bit brighter. 

One dish that always stood out for me was champorado, a delightful chocolate porridge that dances on the taste buds. To me, there’s nothing quite like it, especially when paired with sweet, fried tuyo (dried salted fish). 

The smoky, salty flavor of the fish contrasts beautifully with the rich sweetness of the chocolate porridge. It’s a breakfast experience that’s truly unforgettable.

What is Champorado?

Champorado is a traditional Filipino dish that marries the familiar texture of porridge with the decadent richness of chocolate. It’s usually made with glutinous rice, sugar, cocoa powder, and often topped with a drizzle of condensed milk. 

This warm dish doesn’t just taste like nostalgia; it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those rainy mornings or whenever you crave that dose of comfort food.

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The Ingredients

To whip up a bowl of champorado, you don’t need a fancy grocery list. Here’s what you will need:

• ¼ cup sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of cocoa.
  
• 2 cups water: This will be used to cook the rice, making it nice and smooth.
  
• ½ cup glutinous rice: This gives the porridge its unique sticky texture.
  
• 1 teaspoon condensed milk: Optional, but a little drizzle brightens the flavor.
  
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, or 2 tablea if you can source it: This is the star of the dish, giving it that chocolatey essence.
  

How to Make Champorado

Now that you know what goes into this delightful dish, let's dive into the preparation.

Step 1: Prepare the Glutinous Rice

Rinse ½ cup of glutinous rice under cold water. This step is crucial because it removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too gummy. Once it's rinsed, set it aside. You want it ready for action as we move along.

Step 2: Boil Water

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, introduce your glutinous rice to the bubbling water. Stir it gently to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Let the rice simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it. Stir occasionally until the rice softens and absorbs most of the water. You’ll know it’s time for the next step when you see a nice, thick consistency forming.

Step 4: Incorporate Cocoa

Now for the magical part! Sprinkle in ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (or melt 2 tablea if you’re using that). Stir it in well, allowing the chocolate goodness to infuse throughout the porridge.

Step 5: Sweeten it Up

Add the ¼ cup of sugar gradually, tasting and adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Some may enjoy it sweeter than others.

Step 6: Finish with Milk

Finally, drizzle in a teaspoon of condensed milk if you have it. This adds a delightful creaminess to the champorado. Stir it and let everything blend together perfectly.

Step 7: Serve

Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute. Scoop it into bowls and top off with additional condensed milk or a sprinkle of chocolate powder if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

• Rice Type: Always use glutinous rice. This helps achieve the thick consistency. Regular rice will yield a porridge that’s less creamy.
  
• Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sugar, you can always add more along the way.
  
• Chocolate: Unsweetened cocoa gives you control over the sweetness while using tablea brings a traditional flavor.
  
• For a No-Cocoa Version: You can try champorado with just sugar and some other flavorings like pandan for a wonderful twist.
  
• Consistency: If it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
  

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Champorado can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  
• Reheating: Add a bit of water or milk when reheating to help restore its creamy texture.
  
• Freezing: Though you can freeze it, the texture might change upon thawing. Not my personal recommendation unless you're in a pinch.
  

Nutrition Information

Champorado can provide energy with its carbohydrates but remember to look at how much sugar and cocoa are in your serving. Here are approximate values (per serving):

• Calories: 200
  
• Total Fat: 3g
  
• Saturated Fat: 1g
  
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  
• Sugar: 15g
  
• Protein: 4g
  

Always consider your dietary needs and adjust accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Here are five delightful ways to serve champorado:

1. With Tuyo: The classic combo. The salty, dried fish perfectly complements the sweet porridge, creating a harmony of flavors.
   
2. With Pan de Sal: Spread a bit of butter on warm pan de sal, and enjoy it alongside champorado for breakfast. Magic!
   
3. With Cheese: To enhance savoriness, sprinkle some cheese on top. The melting cheese will contrast beautifully with the chocolatey goodness.
   
4. Fruit Topping: Add slices of banana on top for added sweetness and texture. It’s a nutritious boost!
   
5. Whipped Cream: For a decadent dessert version, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
   

Alternative Substitutes for Champorado

If you’re out of some ingredients or want to play around with flavors, here are five substitute options:

• Rice Substitutes: You can use short-grain rice in a pinch, though the texture won’t be as sticky.
  
• Dark Chocolate: Swap cocoa powder with a melted dark chocolate bar for a richer taste.
  
• Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer natural sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can replace sugar harmoniously.
  
• Almond Milk: Use almond milk instead of water for cooking the rice to add a nutty hint.
  
• Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, simmer the rice in coconut milk instead of water for richer flavor.
  

Conclusion

Making champorado isn’t just about cooking; it's a nostalgic journey filled with flavors and textures that tell a story. This rich chocolate porridge has been a staple in many Filipino households, a dish that can ignite memories with every bite. 

Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with family, champorado brings warmth to your day. So, grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try! It might just become a beloved tradition in your home too.

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