Shirguruch (Tajik Rice and Milk Porridge)
Local name: Ширгурунҷ
In short: Short-grain rice simmered slowly in milk until creamy, lightly sweetened and finished with a spoonful of butter. A gentle Tajik breakfast. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 370 kcal
Shirguruch is rice cooked in milk until it turns soft and creamy, a gentle dish that Tajik families serve for breakfast or as a simple sweet at the end of a meal. The rice is first softened in water, then simmered patiently in milk, with sugar and salt stirred in last. A spoonful of butter melts on top. It is also a traditional food for children and anyone who needs something light.
Instructions
- Put the rice and water in a heavy pot, bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until the water is nearly absorbed.
- Add the milk gradually, about 250 ml (1 cup) at a time, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook on low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every few minutes and scraping the bottom, until the rice is very soft and the porridge is creamy.
- Stir in the sugar and salt and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Stir in the butter, cover and rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm, with raisins or honey if you like.
Tips
- Use a heavy pot and low heat. Milk scorches easily, so stir often and never leave it boiling hard.
- For a looser porridge, stir in 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) hot milk just before serving. It thickens quickly as it cools.
Questions and answers
Can I make shirguruch ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. It thickens, so warm it gently with a splash of milk.
Can I use plant milk?
Oat milk works well, though the flavor will differ. Use unsweetened oat milk, certified gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten, and add sugar to taste.
How is shirguruch different from rice pudding?
It is less sweet and thinner, closer to a warm porridge than a baked pudding. There are no eggs or spices, and butter is added at the end.
How long does it take to make Shirguruch (Tajik Rice and Milk Porridge)?
About 55 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shirguruch (Tajik Rice and Milk Porridge)?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 51 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
