Tripura Risa Gamsa Fermented Rice Drink Tribal Sour

Method

1. 1

   Take 1 cup leftover cooked rice. Place in a clay pot or glass bowl.

2. 2

   Add 2 cups water and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir.

3. 3

   Leave covered at room temperature overnight (8 to 10 hours).

4. 4

   In warm weather (above 25°C) it will ferment in 6 to 8 hours. In cooler weather it may take up to 12 hours.

5. 5

   In the morning the water around the rice will have turned slightly sour and cloudy — this is the fermentation.

6. 6

   The rice will have softened further and absorbed more water.

7. 7

   Stir well. The drink is both the fermented liquid and the softened rice together.

8. 8

   Add optional seasonings: a finely chopped green chilli, a pinch of turmeric and thin ginger slices add flavour and additional health properties.

9. 9

   Drink or eat the fermented rice water with its softened rice as a morning meal or between meals.

10. 10

    Note: if the fermentation smells unpleasant or shows visible mould, discard it.

11. 11

    Properly fermented rice water should smell pleasantly sour.