Comforting Homemade Khichri
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Khichri
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Indian
Servings
4
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Khichri (also spelled khichdi, khichari, or even khichadee) is the ultimate South Asian comfort food. Greek explorers as early as the 3rd century BCE documented the presence of this dish in India, a mix of rice, dal (lentils), and spices. The modern word khichri traces its root to the Sanskritkhiccha, indicated its truly ancient origins.
Today, variations abound throughout the subcontinent, with different mixes and ingredients throughout India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even Bhutan. It is so deeply embedded in Indian culture that there was even a Twitter controversy in 2017, where rumor spread (incorrectly) that the dish was to become the official National Dish of India. Our recipe is for a hearty, comforting moong dal khichri, perhaps the most internationally recognizable form of the dish.
Khichri is warm, hearty, and above all, comforting. It is a great dish to give to children, often served as the first meal a baby will eat. It's also perfect for those days when you have the flu or are otherwise under the weather.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup moong dal lentils
- 1/2 rice (non-sticky, ideally Basmati)
- 2 tbs ghee (or other oil, if not available)
- 1 tbs khichri spice mix
- 1 small onion, diced
- Pinch Salt
Directions
Rinse the rice and lentils together. Soak for about half an hour in plenty of water.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbs ghee or oil in a large pot with a lid on medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add khichri spice mix and salt and then sautee until fragrant (without burning).
Drain the rice and lentils and then add to the seasonings. Stir well and sautee for 2 minutes.
Add 3.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until rice and lentils have absorbed the water.
Serve with additional ghee on top to increase richness.