Tinutuan (Manado Vegetable and Rice Porridge)
In short: A thick, golden porridge of rice, pumpkin, sweet potato and corn with spinach, lemongrass and fresh basil, eaten for breakfast in Manado. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 260 kcal
Tinutuan, also called bubur Manado, is the vegetable porridge that North Sulawesi eats for breakfast. Rice cooks down with pumpkin, sweet potato and corn into a thick, naturally sweet porridge, then spinach, lemongrass and fresh basil go in at the end. It is mild and comforting on its own, and traditionally comes with a spicy sambal, fried shallots and a crunchy side such as fried fish or crackers.
Instructions
- Put the rice, water and lemongrass in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pumpkin and sweet potato and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until both are very soft. Crush some of the pieces against the side of the pot so they thicken the porridge.
- Stir in the corn kernels and salt and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes, until wilted but still green. Remove the lemongrass.
- Stir in the basil and add a splash of hot water if the porridge is too thick. Taste and adjust the salt.
- Ladle into bowls and top with spring onions and fried shallots. Serve with sambal, lime and a crunchy side.
Tips
- Stir more often as the porridge thickens, because pumpkin and rice starch catch on the bottom. A wide, heavy pot helps.
- Cassava, taro and green papaya are common additions. Use whatever vegetables you have, but keep the corn and the fresh basil, which define the dish.
Questions and answers
Is tinutuan vegetarian?
The porridge itself is vegan. It is usually eaten with sambal roa (a smoked fish chili sauce) and salted fish, so skip those or use a plain sambal if you want it fully plant-based.
Can I make tinutuan ahead?
Yes, it keeps for 3 days in the fridge and thickens as it cools. Reheat with extra water. Add the greens and basil fresh when reheating for the best color.
What can I use instead of lemon basil?
Thai basil or regular basil with a squeeze of lime. The basil is added right before serving so its aroma stays fresh.
How long does it take to make Tinutuan (Manado Vegetable and Rice Porridge)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tinutuan (Manado Vegetable and Rice Porridge)?
About 260 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
