Indulge in a bowl of eel and taro porridge, a dish that offers a nostalgic taste of home with its tender eel, creamy taro, and aromatic lemongrass.
This comforting porridge is made with white rice, taro, and eel. The rice is first washed and toasted to a golden hue before simmering in water until tender. The taro is peeled, cut into small pieces, and cooked with the rice, blending seamlessly into the porridge and lending it a smooth texture.
The eel, carefully cleaned and added to the pot, cooks quickly—usually in 10-15 minutes. It can be left whole or cut into pieces, depending on your preference.
A defining element of this dish is the inclusion of Vietnamese fermented shrimp sauce and minced lemongrass. These ingredients infuse the porridge with rich flavors and a fragrant aroma. For an added touch, eel can be dipped in the fermented shrimp paste, creating a delightful balance between the eel’s sweetness and the paste’s robust flavor.
Eel and taro porridge is not just a comfort food for the elderly; it also provides a nutritious meal for children. Its wholesome ingredients and heartwarming flavors evoke the essence of home-cooked meals prepared with care by grandmothers and mothers.