Khichdi


Serves 6

Ingredient

1 cup small split yellow dal, pre-soak for 30 minutes
1 cup of rice
2 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
1 tablespoon of cumin seeds
½ teaspoon of asafetida (Kayam) powder (found at specialty Indian store)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 small piece of ginger, grated
2 green chilies, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
4 whole black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
1 red potato, small dice
1 medium onion, small dice
½ cup of green Indian peas or frozen green peas
4 cups of water
Salt to taste

Directions

Wash and soak the split yellow gram and rice together for 15 minutes. Drain till water is clear. Heat the water until it is boiling and keep aside. On medium heat, add ghee in a large heavy pot (cast iron will work) until the hot. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the asafetida, turmeric, ginger, peppercorns and cloves. Stir for a minute or till fragrant. Be careful not to burn the mixture. Add potatoes and onion with salt. Cook until onions become translucent. Add the split yellow gram and rice, mix well. Add peas at the very end. Add the hot water to this and bring to a boil. Cover and keep on low heat for 25 minutes or till the mixture is slightly mushy. Taste to make sure dal is cooked all the way.

Khichdi is traditionally cooked in a pressure cooker which is much faster. If you happen to have one, in the last step after adding all the ingredients, cover and bring to maximum pressure on high heat. Pressure cook on high heat for 4 whistles. Put off the flame and set aside till all the steam escapes.

*Recipe Property of Palak Patel