Mamma’s remedy | food blog | recipe | good food

When I was unwell as a child, my mum would give me boiled rice, but not just any boiled rice, oh no!

Risotto rice (e.g. Arborio or Carnaroli), boiled in ample salted water (not cooked like a risotto, but with all the water added at the start), then served with some of the starchy water (i.e. you don’t drain it),  a generous drop of olive oil, a knob of butter & tons of grated parmesan. Delicious and so comforting!

Now I’m an Italian Mamma myself, I’ve been doing the same with my kids when they’re not well (though if their tummies are the problem, I steer clear of the butter & parmesan, settling for just a tiny drop of olive oil for taste instead).

My eldest daughter Charlie, aged 14, is proving quite capable in the kitchen already and tends to cook her own rice when she’s not well.  It’s an instant feel-good remedy that’s becoming a family tradition, being passed down from generation to generation.  I can imagine my grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond enjoying the same comfort food when they’re unwell!

Try it – you’ll immediately feel like you’re getting a lovely warm hug!