Mellin's Food Porridge (Kanji)
A comforting and restorative malted porridge traditionally prepared for nursing mothers and convalescents to provide gentle nourishment. This smooth, digestible gruel combines malted wheat flour or malted milk powder with fresh milk to create a warming dish with a rich, toasted grain flavor. The preparation is simple yet effective, offering a soothing texture similar to a thick malted drink or cream of wheat, perfect for a light breakfast or calming evening meal.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Malted milk powder (or malted wheat flour) (Originally '4 to 6 heaping spoons Mellin's Food'. Mellin's Food was a historical malted wheat/barley extract. Use plain malted milk powder or infant cereal as a modern substitute.)
- 6 tablespoons Hot water (Used to dissolve the powder.)
- 3/4 cup Whole milk (Originally '1.5 pasher' (approx 6 oz). Use cow or goat milk.)
Instructions
- 1In a small saucepan, combine the heaping tablespoons of malted powder with the hot water. Stir vigorously until a smooth, thick paste is formed without lumps.
- 2Pour in the fresh milk and stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil (one 'kakro' or bubble). If the mixture is too thick or rich, a little extra water may be added.
- 3Remove from heat immediately after boiling. Serve warm as a nourishing drink or thin porridge.