MASOOR DAL KHICHADI

Khichdi has always been a comfort food for me, especially so in winters. I have number of khichdi in my mind but my family is not very fond of khichdi. But I love khichdi any time, so made this nutritious and tasty Khichdi with masoor Dal and rice. This khichdi is lightly spiced one and served with buttermilk, spicy fried chillies and roasted papad. There are many variations of khichdi, even every state has its own version of khichdi and most are a combination of grain and a lentil [most popularly rice and moong/ green gram/ masoor dal]. In Western Indian States like Rajasthan, Bajra or Pearl Millet is used as a substitute for rice. This Masoor Dal Khichdi is with some onions and mild spices. The result was a creamy consistency, fragrant, mellow khichdi which has quite unique flavours. You can serve it with any raita of your choice / kadhi or simply with curds and your completely balanced meal is ready.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Masoor dal [pink lentil]

2 Cups Rice

½ Cup Green Peas

1 Tomato, chopped

1 Onion, chopped

1 teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste

1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds

4-5 Cloves

½ teaspoon Black Pepper

2 -3 Green Cardamom

1 Black Cardamom

2 Bay Leaf

1 Inch Cinnamon Stick

4 tablespoon Vegetable Oil

3-4 Green Chillies

Salt as needed

½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder

½ -1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

Chopped Coriander

METHOD:

STEP 1 – Clean and wash the rice

and dal under water separately

and soak the rice and dal for 1 hour.

STEP 2- Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add the whole spices in it when the cumin seeds starts crackling.

STEP 3 –  Add ginger-garlic paste and mix and cook it for 1-2 minute or until raw smell vanish.

STEP 4 - Add chopped onions and sauté well till they are light golden in colour.

.

STEP 5 - Add chopped tomato and green chillies in it and cook on medium flame till tomato is mushy.

STEP 6 - Add green peas, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt in it and give a nice mix.

STEP 7 - Add soaked rice and dal in it and mix well.

STEP 8 - Add 2 ½ cup water and mix and close the lid of pressure cooker

and pressure cook it on medium flame for 2 whistles or till the khichadi cooked properly.

STEP 9 - Open the pressure cooker after pressure released from cooker, garnish with chopped coriander and serve.

Serve hot khichadi with a dollop of pure ghee and fried mirchi and enjoy.