Skip to main content

Komal Saul or Soft Rice - An easy Assamese culinary delight

                                        Komal Saul prior to soaking. Komal Saul takes me to my grandparents' home, where I recall the early childhood days when we stayed in a different city and visited my grandparents' ancestral home. My grandmother often delights in preparing 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 softness does not require cooking. Soak it in hot water for a few minutes, and it's ready to eat.
         My home state, Assam, produces a variety of rice, and it's no wonder we have all kinds of cereals, snacks, and main courses made from rice. Any other type of rice is considered the main course, whereas Komal Saul is considered a light meal or snack. As a snack or mini-meal, Komal Saul holds a prestigious position in Assamese culinary tradition. A religious function, a funeral, or even a wedding sighting of Komal Saul is not uncommon, especially in those bygone years.


What exactly is Komal Saul
 Komal Saul is prepared from Bora Saul, or sticky rice, an indigenous rice variety in Assam. The Bora Saul, or sticky rice, undergoes a process similar to parboiled rice and becomes Komal Saul. The parboiled process reduces the content of amylose (starch) and makes it softer.

                                         Komal Saul and Regular Rice
How to eat it  

Traditionally, Komal Saul is served with whipped Yogurt and Jaggery. Additionally, it can be enjoyed with milk instead of yogurt, and a hint of ghee takes it to another level.
If you prefer a savory flavor, you can enjoy it with a hint of salt, a touch 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 fewer calories and is easy on your digestive system. Incorporate Komal Saul into your daily breakfast, if not every day, at least occasionally. The luscious and fragrant rice not only feeds your mind but also your heart.
Labels:

Comments

  1. Because She Can - Travel BlogMarch 4, 2020 at 8:42 AM

    Wow! This looks delicious. Great info!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarysaJanuary 20, 2021 at 10:03 AM

    I wasn't familiar with this kind of rice. It sounds like it would be an interesting dish. I will have to see if I can find it.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My favorite pieces of Assamese Traditional jewelry

My grandmother's thuria, age-old and heirloom jewelry, of course, not part-able         A piece of jewelry echoes a region's rich heritage, aesthetics and sensibilities and Assamese jewelry does not differ from that. A piece of jewelry not just enhances the wearer's beauty but identity as well.       A land of flamboyant rivers engulfed in exotic flora and fauna, birds, musical instruments Assamese jewelry is highly inspired by that. Sharing a few assamese pieces of jewelry from my personal collection.       An Assamese bride's dress up is incomplete without Assamese jewelry. Traditionally Assamese jewelry is purely handmade. The main frame is made out with 24-carat gold and lac is used as a filling material. Stones are studded on the top.  The creatively and meticulously studded stone craftsmanship resembles with pomegranate seeds. The color and texture of the stone are opulent and lurid jus...
98 comments
Read more

Jurun...an assamese beautiful pre-wedding ceremony

  Indian weddings encompass many beautiful ceremonies and traditions. In Assamese culture, Jurun is a pre-wedding ceremony. It usually occurs a day or two before the wedding day, sometimes even on the same day of the wedding. A tradition where the groom’s family, especially women, visit the bride's family to present the wedding trousseau (Mekhela chadar), jewelry, some makeup, and accessories. In my belief, a tradition that welcomes the bride to her new family with gifts, love, and blessings.  On the day of Jurun, Aam Dali godha (A stringed mango leaf) is a tradition and is tied over the door. It is believed that it will ward off all bad energy and bring good luck to the newlyweds. Usually, jurun happens in the morning or before noon. The goom does not accompany the group. Before going to the bride's home, the groom and his family get blessings from the people who gather for the jurun. Another tradition associated with Jurun is filling two small bell metal vases (called l...
37 comments
Read more

Bartaco, West Hartford , Connecticut review

It was a usual February day, the chill felt like tucking in the furry comforter and stay cozy at home. But, the matter of the fact was that it was my birthday  and my family wanted me to take out for dinner. I was reluctant and wanted to stay at home. My little one was after me and I couldn't say no. I had no clue where we were heading for dinner and then here we were at the Bartaco. Vivacious Bartaco instantly took away my winter sluggishness. With a gracious greeting, modern contemporary laid back sitting and a bit of hustle and bustle made me alive in the winter freezing February. The high ceiling, ivory walls, earthy light shades stroked a tropical vibe and the food spoke a lot about Mexico and Latin America. As a sober, I chose housemade pomegranate lemonade and hubby got grapefruit ginger juice. I never had pomegranate lemonade before, I must say it was one of the coolest and refreshing lemonade I have ever had. The tint of lemonade not just took the look but ...
8 comments
Read more