Filipino Champorado is a beloved sweet rice porridge that combines the richness of chocolate with the comforting texture of rice. Traditionally made by boiling glutinous rice (malagkit) in water until tender, then adding cocoa powder or tablea (Filipino chocolate tablets) and sugar to create a thick and creamy consistency. It’s often served hot, garnished with milk or cream, and enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or snack, especially during cooler weather or rainy days in the Philippines. Champorado’s sweet and chocolatey flavor profile makes it a favorite among both young and old alike, embodying a comforting taste of home.
Creating a keto and sugar-free twist on Filipino Champorado involves substituting traditional ingredients with low-carb alternatives while maintaining its chocolatey and creamy essence. Here are some ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice Base: Replace glutinous rice with cauliflower rice to significantly reduce carbs. Cook cauliflower rice in water until tender.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Use keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder or Cacao: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder to add chocolate flavor without the added sugars.
- Coconut Milk or Almond Milk: Use unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk to keep the porridge dairy-free and lower in carbs.
- Vanilla Extract and Salt: Add a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor and a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolatey taste.
- Toppings: Garnish with keto-friendly toppings like a drizzle of heavy cream or coconut cream, unsweetened shredded coconut, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the porridge with more or less liquid (water or almond/coconut milk) to achieve your desired thickness.
By incorporating these keto-friendly substitutions and adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of Champorado that fits into a low-carb and sugar-free diet, all while savoring its classic chocolatey goodness.
Let’s make Filipino Champorado Porridge that is keto and low-carb friendly:
Filipino Champorado Porridge Recipe (Keto, Sugar-Free)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings (optional): heavy cream, coconut cream, sliced almonds, unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice:
- If using fresh cauliflower, grate or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. If using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw it according to package instructions.
Cook the Cauliflower Rice:
- In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Add Cocoa Powder and Sweetener:
- In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with a little bit of water to form a paste. Add the cocoa paste to the pot of cooked cauliflower rice, stirring well to combine. Stir in the granulated erythritol or keto-friendly sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Simmer and Thicken:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for another 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a porridge-like consistency. Add more water or almond/coconut milk if needed to achieve desired thickness.
Finish with Almond/Coconut Milk:
- Stir in the unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Adjust consistency with more milk if desired.
Serve:
- Divide the keto champorado into serving bowls. Optionally, top with a drizzle of heavy cream or coconut cream, and garnish with sliced almonds or unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 70 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Enjoy your keto-friendly and sugar-free Filipino Champorado Porridge! This low-carb version captures the essence of traditional champorado while keeping it suitable for a ketogenic diet, offering a comforting and chocolatey treat without the guilt.
