Podi Ari Kanji is a simple, healthy and nutritious porridge. It is usually made with broken red rice, which is readily available in Kerala. Also called matta rice, red rice has more fibre than white rice. Royals from the Chola and Chera dynasties preferred matta rice. During that time, this rice was very expensive and the poor could not afford it. The pink-hued matta rice is also used in the preparation of snacks like murukku. 

Podi Ari Kanji is good for the digestive system as it is very light. It is a staple in Kerala, mainly eaten as a breakfast item. The dish may be eaten with pickles for added flavour.