Kanji is the dish we reach for when we want to be kind to ourselves — a soft, warm porridge that soothes the stomach and comforts the spirit. In its millet form it is wholesome for every age.
What is kanji?
Kanji is a simple porridge of grain cooked with plenty of water until soft and smooth. It has long been the food given to anyone unwell, to babies, and to anyone wanting something gentle.
Made with millets, it carries extra fibre and minerals while staying easy to digest.
Savoury or sweet
A savoury kanji is seasoned simply with salt and perhaps a little cumin or ginger, sometimes with vegetables stirred in. It is soothing and nourishing.
A sweet kanji, lightly sweetened with jaggery and a touch of cardamom, makes a comforting breakfast or a gentle treat.
ORAMIL 5-in-1 Millet Mix
17 traditional millets, grains, pulses and seeds in one mix — make Dosa, Idly, Puttu, Koozh and Kanji from a single pack, no preservatives.
Explore 5-in-1 Millet MixHow to make it
Cook a millet or millet blend with ample water, stirring now and then, until it breaks down into a soft, smooth porridge. Adjust the water for a thinner or thicker kanji.
Season to taste, savoury or sweet, and serve warm.
Who it suits
Kanji is one of the most adaptable dishes in the kitchen. Thin and mild for babies and the unwell, a little thicker and seasoned for everyone else.
Its digestibility makes it especially suitable for elders and sensitive stomachs.
A quick everyday version
A traditional millet mix simmers readily into a smooth kanji, so you can make a soothing bowl in minutes without preparing grains separately.
It is the kind of quiet, nourishing dish that belongs in every week.
Frequently asked questions
Is millet kanji good for babies?
A soft, thin, mild kanji is a traditional gentle food for babies. Introduce it gradually, keep it smooth, and follow your paediatrician's guidance on timing and ingredients.
Is kanji good when you are sick?
Kanji is light, warm and easy to digest, which is why it is traditionally given during illness and recovery. Keep it simple and well-cooked.
Can kanji be a full meal?
Yes. A thicker, seasoned kanji with vegetables or dal can be a complete, comforting meal, while a thinner version works as a light breakfast.
ORAMIL 5-in-1 Millet Mix
17 traditional millets, grains, pulses and seeds in one mix — make Dosa, Idly, Puttu, Koozh and Kanji from a single pack, no preservatives.
Explore 5-in-1 Millet MixKeep reading: how to make crispy millet dosa every time, the secret to soft, fluffy millet idly, and ragi koozh: the traditional summer cooler, explained.