Sick Day Porridge

My son loves this porridge and it's a lifesaver when he's sick and has no appetite. It has three of his favourite things, rice, canned tuna and sweet corn.
My mum makes a plain rice porridge which is a traditional Maldivian recipe but I added the tuna and sweetcorn for more flavour and nutrients. Give it a try next time your child gets a sick day. The pandan leaf is essential as it gives a  delicate sweet perfume and taste. I tried it using chicken stock but he didn't seem to like it as much as this one.

Recipe: Sick day porridge, my own concotion
For 1 child

1/4 cup rice
500ml water
handful sweetcorn, fresh, frozen or canned ( or any other vegetable your child likes)
hand-canned tuna, flaked  or some shredded cooked chicken
1 pandan leaf, cut into big pieces
pinch of salt
1/4 piece lime ( or cheek slice of lime)

1. Wash rice in several changes of water till water runs clear. Soak in water for 1-2 hours. Drain and give a few good squeezes with your fingertips to break the rice up. If you have time you can sun dry the grains and store the rice grains in an air-tight bottle till required.

2. Heat a small saucepan with salt and pandan leaf till it comes to a boil. Bring heat down to a simmer and add the rice. Give a stir, and simmer till the rice is cooked.  Halfway through stir in sweetcorn. 

3. Switch off once the rice and sweetcorn are cooked through. Don't let the water evaporate, there should be some water left in, a slightly thinner consistency than regular porridge.

4. Finally flake in your tuna or chicken and squeeze in the lime just before serving.  Serve warm.