Moong Dal Khichdi

Rice, lentils, spices and seasonings are thrown into a pot or pressure cooker and cooked until all individual ingredients are blended well together.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup split skinned moong dal
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
• Butter or ghee to garnish
• 2 tbsp crispy brown fried onion
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Soak the rice and moong dal in water for at least one hour.
• Heat 2 tbsp of ghee (or oil) in a pressure cooker, on medium flame.
• Stir in bay leaf and onion. Add rice, moong dal, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and turmeric powder. Stir and add 4 cups of water. Place lid and pressure-cook it up to one whistle (pressure release).
• Remove from heat. Garnish with coriander, fried crispy brown onions and butter or ghee.
  Serve hot with chutney, raita, pickle, and salad

Do You Know:

The word "khichdi" literally means "hodge-podge" or mish-mash. Hodge-podge or not, khichdi makes for a complete one-pot meal. The rice provides the carbohydrates, the lentils provide the protein, the vegetables add the vitamins and minerals and fiber. A dollop of ghee provides the right amount of fat and calories, which are as important in a diet as any other food-group