Sunday, March 1, 2020

Komal Saul or Soft Rice - An easy Assamese culinary delight

Komal Saul prior SoakingKomal Saul takes me to my grandparent's home to the early childhood days when we stayed in a different city and visited my grandparent's ancestorial home, my grandmother often delightfully prepares a morning breakfast in a jiffy. The breakfast is called Komal saul or soft rice. A luscious, slightly golden color and light glossy textured rice, no need for the cooking process, unlike other regular rice. In Assamese, Komal means soft and that soft does not require cooking. Soak it in hot water for a few minutes and its ready to eat.
        My home state Assam produces a variety of rice and no wonder we have all kinds of cereals, snacks, to the main course from rice. Any other kind of rice is considered as the main course, whereas Komal Saul is considered as a light meal or snack. As a snack or mini-meal Komal Saul holds a prestigious position in Assamese culinary tradition. Religious function or funeral or even wedding sighting Komal Saul is not uncommon especially in those yesteryears.

What is exactly Komal Saul
 Komal Saul is prepared from Bora Saul or sticky rice which is an indigenous rice variety in Assam. The Bora Saul or sticky rice goes through a process like parboiled rice and becomes Komal Saul. The parboiled process lowers the content of amylose(starch) and makes it soft.

                                         Komal Saul and Regular Rice
How to eat it
Traditionally Komal Saul is served with whippy Yogurt and Jaggery. Also, it can be eaten with milk instead of yogurt and a hint of ghee with it takes it to another level.
If you like it savory then you can eat with salt, a hint of mustard oil and chopped ginger.
In today's modern Assamese society, Komal Saul is not often the 1st choice for a wedding, but in today's fast-paced life, we want everything instant and easy. What you have in Komal Saul, is something instant, easy and also great health benefits as the lower level of starch means less calorie and easy on your digestive system. Incorporate Komal Saul in your daily breakfast, if not every day occasionally, the luscious and fragmented rice not only feeds your mind but heart as well.

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