Hyderabadi Khichidi

                       Khichidi - the national food of India. Every region has its own unique style and flavour for Khichdi. While its main ingredients are rice and lentils the style of preparation highly varies. Most of the Khichdis are soft cooked considered best for diet and highly consumed when taken ill but my Hyderabadi Khichdi lies on the contrary planes, the grains are intact, the accompaniments are many and is a grand affair mostly served for sunday breakfasts or rather brunch.

                  Khichidi is flavoured with mint, turmeric and cinnamon. Its main accompaniments as you can see in the pic above are khatta, Kheema curry, Pyaaz ka anda and lots of papad & badis. These are mandatory. However they are some more accompaniments like desi ghee, varieties of pickles, dry coconut chutney and Kairi ki chutney that are served if available. Just in itself Khichidi is a great option to feed kids. It is tasty, not so spicy and what tops it all is the combination of rice and lentils or the carbohydrate and protein the two most essential nutrients for any age group. So, here comes the recipe :-

Ingredients:

1. Rice - 1 kg
2. Masoor dal / red lentils - 100 gm
3. Onion - 2 nos
4. Shahjeera / caraway seeds - 1 tsp
5. Cinnamon stick - 2 to 3 pieces
6. Cloves - 2 no (optional)
7. Cardamom - 2 no (optional)
8. Coriander leaves - few
9. Mint leaves - few
10. Green chilies - 4 to 5 nos
11. Turmeric powder - 2 tsp
12. Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
13. Salt - to taste
14. Oil - 3 tbsp

Method:

• Wash together rice and lentils and keep aside.

• In a vessel to cook rice heat oil.
• Add onions once they turn translucent add ginger garlic paste followed by coriander leaves, mint leaves and green chilies.
• Drain water and add rice and lentils. Add enough water to cook rice you should be able to stir freely.
• Add salt and turmeric powder.
• Add shahjeera and cinnamon sticks.
• Cover with lid and let it cook. Stir occasionally.
• When water content reduces to minimum lower the flame and cook till all the water dries up.
• Serve hot.

                    Also try other rice dishes like Lemon rice, Chana vegetable biryani, Tomato rice, Boot pulao and Mixed fried rice from My Mom's Kitchen.

Do share your views with me in the comments section below.

Happy Cooking!!!