Basmati Rice by Reynoso-Gala family

I never tried Basmati rice for the family but the Reynoso-Gala family of Pampanga gave me an idea to cook this special rice with a twist. They made their own version of cooking Basmati rice by adding pandan leaves, estrellas or star anise and coconut milk to bring out that rich Filipino flavor. “Bas” in Hindi language means “aroma” and “Mati” means “full of”; hence, the word “Basmati” means “full of aroma.”

Champorado Recipe (Chocolate Rice Pudding)

My daughter likes Champorado with lots of evaporated milk on top. Sometimes she make request of it for breakfast so if there is no stock or enough time to cook I usually buy it in the neighborhood. My girl is quite picky on the taste. She wants more cocoa and all the rice must be softened plus evaporated milk all over it, LOL.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous (sweet/sticky) rice
• 1/2 cup (more or less to taste) sugar
  
• 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 cup (more or less to taste) unsweetened cocoa
  
• 2 1/2 cups water
• evaporated milk for toppings

Cooking procedures:

In a medium sized saucepan, cook glutinous rice with 2 1/2 cups water. Stir continually. When rice appears to be somewhat transparent, add cocoa, sugar and vanilla. Continue stirring for 3 minutes. Serve in bowls with swirls of evaporated milk on top.