Vary amin'anana (Malagasy Rice and Greens Porridge)
In short: Soft, soupy rice simmered with small pieces of beef, ginger, garlic and chopped greens. A comforting Malagasy porridge for any time of day. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Vary amin'anana means rice with greens, and it is what many Malagasy families cook when they want something filling and gentle. Rice simmers in plenty of water with small pieces of beef, ginger, garlic and chopped leafy greens until the grains turn soft and the pot becomes a thick soup. It sits somewhere between porridge and stew, and it is eaten for breakfast, lunch or a light supper, often with a spoonful of sakay on top.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef for 6 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the tomato for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the water and salt. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 40 minutes, until the beef is nearly tender.
- Add the rice, stir once and simmer partly covered for 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the grains are very soft and the mixture is thick and soupy. Add hot water if it becomes too thick.
- Stir in the greens and cook for 5 minutes, until wilted and tender.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Serve hot in bowls, with sakay on the side if you like heat.
Tips
- Leftover cooked rice works too. Add about 3 cups of cooked rice in place of raw and simmer for only 10 minutes.
- Chicken wings or pork ribs can replace the beef. Use bone-in pieces for more flavor and shred the meat into the pot at the end.
Questions and answers
Is vary amin'anana the same as congee?
It is a close relative: rice cooked in extra water until soft. The Malagasy version always includes leafy greens and usually meat, ginger and garlic.
Which greens work best?
Bok choy, spinach, watercress, mustard greens or chard. Mixing mild and peppery greens gives the best flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but the rice keeps absorbing liquid as it sits. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and loosen with hot water when reheating.
How long does it take to make Vary amin'anana (Malagasy Rice and Greens Porridge)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Vary amin'anana (Malagasy Rice and Greens Porridge)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 46 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
