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Khichdi

Khichdi is a savory dal and rice porridge of India and southeast Asia.  There are many versions, some less spicy for breakfast, and others more spicy for later in the day.  Here is one made with Basmati rice and toor dal, a split pigeon pea legume. This one is spicy, so we had it for dinner.  Serve with hot flatbreads like naan or pita to wipe your bowl clean.


1/2 cup toor dal

1/2 long grain white rice (I used Basmati)

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

2 Tbsp ghee (or butter)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2-inch fresh ginger, minced

1/2 tsp panchpuran (see note)

dash dried red chili flakes, to taste

1 quart chicken (or vegetable) stock

1/2 tsp powdered turmeric

1/2 tsp mild Kashmiri chili powder (or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper)

1/2 tsp powdered fenugreek

1/2 tsp powdered coriander


Garnish:

fresh cilantro or parsley leaves

shredded coconut


Soak the dal and rice together in excess water in a bowl for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, sweat the onion in the ghee in a pressure cooker.  After about 5 minutes, add the garlic, ginger, panchoran seeds and red chili. Cook another 2-3 minutes.


Drain the rice and dal and add to the pressure cooker.


Add the broth and the spices.  Bring to a gentler boil.  Stir, and cover pressure cooker.  Bring to medium pressure for 3 minutes and then turn off heat.  Allow the pressure cooker to depressurize naturally on its own - this could take about 15 minutes or so.


After it has depressurized, uncover the pressure cooker carefully. Stir the khichdi, and thin with a dash of water if necessary to form a thick, rich, porridge.


Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, and shredded coconut, if desired. Serve with hot naan or pita flatbreads.


Serves 4.


Cook’s Note: If you cannot find Panchpuran, an Indian Bengali 5-spice seed mix, you can substitute the same amount of cumin and fennel seeds.  Otherwise, just go with the curry powder spices you have.


If you don’t have the powdered spices, you can substitute 2 tsp of your favorite curry powder.



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