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Khichari

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March  5, 2012
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Khichari
  • Serves 4 to 5
Author Notes

Khichari is a blend of rice and lentils with some basic Indian flavors. Usually, it has potatoes, onions and garlic. But, you can add any kind of veggies. As risotto is to Italians , Khichari is to Indians. Every region or culture in India has its own version of khichari. You can make this simple by using any one of the lentils and also by using whatever veggies you like. It is quite a one pot meal for us. You can enjoy it with Cumin-flavoured buttermilk or plain yogurt,pickle and papadum. —Devangi Raval

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 3 tablespoons split skinless Masoor dal
  • 3 tablespoons yellow split mung dal
  • 2 tablespoons Green skinned split mung dal
  • 2 tablespoons Toor dal or split yellow pigeon peas
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic chopped, you can also use paste
  • 2 teaspoons chopped ginger, you can also use paste
  • 2 Medium sized onions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup Frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup Frozen green pigeon peas , optional and mostly available only at Indian grocery stores
  • 1 Medium potato
  • 1/2 cup Cauliflower
  • 1 Medium carrot, diced
  • 1.5 teaspoons Red chilli powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons Garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons Peanuts
  • 1/2 Raw mango with skin, chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste
Directions
  1. Rinse and soak the rice and lentils for about half an hour.
  2. Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker or a crock pot in medium high heat, once the ghee is hot enough, add the mustard seeds and let them pop.
  3. Once they pop, add the garlic and ginger and onions. Cook it for about few minutes till the onions get translucent.
  4. Gradually, add all the other veggies and keep tossing them for few seconds.
  5. Then remove the water from rice/lentil mix and add it to the veggies and saute it for few seconds. If you want you can toast the rice/lentil mix separately in another pan but not necessary.
  6. After few minutes, add the dry spices, raw mango pieces, peanuts and salt and add about 2 cups of water and mix well.
  7. Let it cook for about half an hour , if you are using a crock pot and if you are using pressure cooker then for about 15 minutes with 4 to 5 whistles. Once done, remove from heat and do not open the pressure cooker immediately. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then open it.
  8. Serve it hot with plain yogurt and just by itself with a spoonful of ghee. Lot of times we enjoy Khichari with A creamy yogurt based sauce known as Kadhi.
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2 Reviews

ubs2007
ubs2007 March 7, 2012
The kichiri I've eaten and LOVED at my friend's house is white with dark lentils. She is punjabi / Kashmiri. What region is this kichiri from as the version I've eaten didn't have potatoes or vegetables?
 
Devangi R.
Devangi R. March 9, 2012
Actually, as I said every part or region has its own variation. I am from western part. Secondly, usually Khichari is simple mix of lentil and rice , may be with few veggies. But, our family adds lots of veggies to make it much more nutritious and a one pot meal. Even, I have this recipe with four different types of lentils which is not at all required but for a tasty treat and flavor it is a must try. This version if quite similar to one which is served as "Prasad" (holy offering)to the visitors in temples.