Duru Bulgur Champorado: A Healthy Filipino Favorite

Nothing will remind you more of your childhood than a hot bowl of Champorado on a rainy morning. As a classic Pinoy favorite, Champorado is a popular sweet chocolate porridge dish usually enjoyed for breakfast. As a chocolate-based meal paired with creamy milk and tasty dried fish, the Champorado is every sweet tooth’s favorite. A quick bite of this widely loved local comfort food will leave you nostalgic towards the good old days.

Before it became Champorado that we all love today, it was first introduced during the Manila-Alcalpuco Galleon Trade. The Mexican dish that inspired this Pinoy delicacy was called, “Champurrado,” a thick and warm drink served with Churros. Over the years, rice was added to the mix, and it became the childhood-reminiscent meal we know today.

Since then, Filipinos have been creative with their Champorado breakfasts. Traditionally served with Tuyo or Pan de Sal, this meal is a versatile dish that is now paired with many different sides. Health enthusiasts have likewise given this meal their own twist, substituting glutinous rice with a more wholesome alternative: Duru Bulgur, an all-natural wheat product.

With no additives or artificial flavorings, Duru Bulgur is a whole grain that’s gaining popularity from health enthusiasts. If you’re watching your calories but want to enjoy that your chocolate porridge, swap your rice for bulgur. With countless health benefits and the same delightful taste, you can be sure that every spoon of Champorado is a delicious, guilt-free treat.

If you’re trying out bulgur Champorado for the first time, here’s a quick recipe to get you started.

DARK CHOCOLATE BULGUR CHAMPORADO

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup of Duru Bulgur
• 4 cups of water
• 3 tbsp dark cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:

1. Directly boil the Duru Bulgur in 4 cups of water. Duru is fast and easy to cook. You won’t need to wash it before cooking.
2. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer. Wait until the bulgur is soft enough and you reach your preferred consistency. No need to worry; bulgur won’t get as sticky or thick as rice.
3. Add cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla to the mix. Let this simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Serve with evaporated milk or powdered milk for a creamier, sweeter flavor.

The taste of warm, sweet Champorado is something we won’t get tired of, no matter our age. It’s a nostalgic treat that will bring us back to our childhood. Even with our changing lifestyles and diets, one thing is for sure: Champorado will stay a Filipino favorite. — (TGM)