khichdi

 

Khichdi is a popular and nutritious dish in Indian cuisine. It is a simple, one-pot meal made by cooking rice and lentils (usually moong dal or a combination of lentils) together with various spices and seasonings. Here's a basic recipe for making khichdi:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup lentils (moong dal or a mix of lentils)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 small tomato, chopped (optional)
• 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• 4-5 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and lentils together until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
4. Add asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
5. If you're using garlic, onions, and tomatoes, add them now and sauté until the onions become translucent and the tomatoes turn soft.
6. Add the washed rice and lentils to the pot and sauté for a couple of minutes, mixing them well with the spices and other ingredients.
7. Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Stir everything together.
8. If you're using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles. If you're using a regular pot, cover it and simmer on low heat until the rice and lentils are soft and fully cooked. You may need to add more water if the khichdi becomes too thick while cooking.
9. Once the khichdi is cooked, garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Khichdi can be enjoyed plain or with accompaniments like yogurt, pickle, or a side of vegetables. It is a comforting and nutritious dish, often considered easy to digest and is often served to people recovering from illness. Additionally, it can be customized with various vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences.