Discover Champorado: The Filipino Chocolate Rice Porridge and Its Health Benefits
For many Filipinos living in the UK, the taste of home is something we crave when nostalgia strikes, especially during cold mornings or rainy afternoons. One comfort food that stands out is champorado, or chocolate rice porridge. This dish has been a staple in Filipino households for generations, offering not only a sweet and comforting flavor but also numerous health benefits.
If you’ve ever wondered what champorado is and why you should consider adding it to your diet, read on to discover its rich history, ingredients, and health benefits.
What is Champorado?
Champorado is a Filipino rice porridge infused with rich, chocolatey goodness. Traditionally, it is made with glutinous rice (malagkit), cocoa powder or tablea (pure cacao tablets), water, sugar, and milk. The dish is often topped with condensed milk or paired with tuyo (dried salted fish) for a contrasting savory twist.
This iconic Filipino dish has roots in the Mexican champurrado, brought to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Over time, Filipinos adapted the recipe, replacing corn masa with glutinous rice to suit local ingredients and preferences.
Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, champorado is a dish that reminds Filipinos abroad of home and the warm embrace of family meals.
Health Benefits of Champorado
You may think of champorado as an indulgent treat, but it also has surprising health benefits. Let’s break down the key ingredients and what makes this dish not just comforting, but good for your well-being.
1. Cacao: A Superfood Packed with Antioxidants
The chocolate flavor in champorado typically comes from tablea, made from pure cacao beans. Cacao is a known superfood rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which help combat free radicals in the body. This can lower your risk of heart disease, improve blood flow, and even boost brain function.
Cacao also contains magnesium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy chocolate while reaping its health benefits.
2. Glutinous Rice: A Source of Energy
The sticky rice used in champorado is a great source of carbohydrates, providing a steady energy boost. This makes champorado an ideal breakfast to kickstart your day or a pick-me-up during a midday slump.
Glutinous rice is also easy to digest, making it gentle on the stomach—a comforting option for those feeling under the weather.
3. Milk: A Calcium and Protein Boost
Adding milk to champorado not only makes it creamier but also provides a good dose of calcium and protein. Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, while protein helps repair tissues and build muscle. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based options like almond or oat milk.
4. Low-Glycemic Sweeteners for a Healthier Twist
While traditional recipes use sugar, modern versions can include healthier sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia. These alternatives have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels—a great option for those managing diabetes or watching their sugar intake.
5. Mood-Boosting Properties
Champorado’s chocolatey goodness isn’t just for your taste buds—it’s good for your mental health too. Cacao stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, hormones that promote happiness and reduce stress. It’s comfort food for both your body and soul.
Why Filipinos in the UK Love Champorado
Living in the UK, where chilly weather is the norm, champorado provides the warmth and nostalgia Filipinos long for. It’s an easy dish to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients readily available in Asian stores or online. Plus, its versatility means you can enjoy it in many ways—served warm with a drizzle of condensed milk, or paired with salty tuyo for that uniquely Filipino sweet-and-savory experience.
Bring the Taste of Home to the UK
Champorado is more than just a dish—it’s a connection to Filipino heritage, a way to combat homesickness, and a deliciously nutritious option for any meal. The next time you feel a longing for home or need a comforting dish to warm you up, whip up a bowl of champorado. Your body and soul will thank you.
Whether you’re introducing champorado to your family or savoring it alone, this timeless Filipino classic will always hit the spot.