Heart-Healthy Lugaw (Filipino Rice Porridge)

Discover a nourishing twist on a beloved Filipino classic with this Heart-Healthy Lugaw (Filipino Rice Porridge) recipe, a wholesome take on comfort food that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Made with fiber-rich brown rice and infused with the aromatic duo of garlic and ginger, this creamy porridge is simmered in a blend of water and low-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter, heart-friendly base. Diced carrots add a sweet pop of color and nutrients, while tender kangkong (water spinach) leaves provide a boost of greens. Finished with a drizzle of low-sodium soy sauce, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and a squeeze of bright lemon, this dish is perfect for cozy meals or as a nutritious option for those seeking a healthy, plant-forward diet. Ready in just over an hour, it delivers all the comforting warmth of traditional lugaw with none of the guilt.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown rice
• 8 cups Water
• 3 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 inch Ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 cup Kangkong (water spinach) leaves, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 pieces Green onions, chopped
• 1 piece Lemon wedge
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté until aromatic, around 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the diced carrot to the pot and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes, until the carrot begins to soften.

Step 4

Add the rinsed brown rice, water, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the mixture is creamy.

Step 6

Stir in the kangkong leaves and low-sodium soy sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the leaves are wilted.

Step 7

Season the lugaw with ground black pepper and adjust seasoning with soy sauce if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3056.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	480.1

Total Fat 16.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1572.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 12.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281.0mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1224.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.9%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 59.5%