Ranonapango (Malagasy Toasted Rice Water)
Local name: Ranon'ampango
In short: Water boiled with the golden toasted crust from the bottom of a rice pot, giving a light, nutty drink served with meals across Madagascar. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 40 kcal
Ranonapango means water of the scorched rice, and it is made in nearly every Malagasy kitchen. When the rice is cooked, a golden crust is left to form on the bottom of the pot. Hot water is added to it and boiled for a few minutes, producing a pale gold, lightly toasty drink that is served with meals, either hot or cool. It is also called ranovola, which literally means money water.
Instructions
- Put the rinsed rice and 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over medium heat for about 12 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Lower the heat to its lowest setting and leave the rice undisturbed for another 20 minutes, so a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Scoop the loose rice into a serving bowl, keeping the crust in the pot. The crust should be deep golden to brown, not black.
- Pour the 1 liter (4 cups) of water into the pot, scrape the crust loose with a wooden spoon and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until the water turns pale gold. Serve hot, or cool it and chill, with the rice and the main dishes.
Tips
- Watch the pot at the end. If you smell sharp smoke, turn off the heat right away, because a burnt crust makes the drink bitter.
- Strain the drink if you want it clear, or leave a few crust pieces in the cup. In Madagascar the softened crust is sometimes eaten too.
Questions and answers
What does ranonapango taste like?
Lightly toasty and slightly nutty, a bit like barley tea, with a faint natural sweetness. It is mild and meant to go with food.
Is ranonapango served hot or cold?
Both. In Madagascar it is usually served warm with meals, and chilled it makes a refreshing drink.
Can I make it with a rice cooker?
Many rice cookers leave only a thin crust. A heavy pot on the stove gives a thicker, more golden crust and a better flavor.
How long does it take to make Ranonapango (Malagasy Toasted Rice Water)?
About 50 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ranonapango (Malagasy Toasted Rice Water)?
About 40 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 40 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
