Khichdi - A Feast of the Lord

By Alka Jena @alka_jena
To many, the humble khichdi or khichriorKhechudi,  evokes a medley of emotions, by the mere mention of the name, one either loves or hates it. Almost every state in India has it's own name for Khichdi, and has it as part of regular meals. It is called khichuri inWest Bengal, Adahengu khichdi( ginger-asafoetida khichdi) in Odisha which is a part of the famous Chapan Bhog of the Lord Jagannath temple, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bisi bele bath in Karnataka and Khichri in Bihar and UP.
This humble Khichdi which is a part of the famous Chapan Bhog of the Lord Jagannath in Odisha is cooked with rice, dal, seasonal vegetables and served with curd  to the devotees.This temple khichdi is the ultimate lesson in slow fire cooking where nine earthenware pots placed one atop another. The steam moves from one pot to the next, cooking the ingredients inside the successive pots.

   Ayurveda, the Indian wisdom of medicine, also recommends Khichdi for all body types as a cleansing regimen. Khichdi is also the first solid that babies are introduce to, Rice and Lentils are simmered till mushy, seasoned with Turmeric and salt, and fed to infants to introduce them to adult food as it is soft , easily digested, and has no spices. The khichdi  refers to a nutritionally balanced stew of rice and pulses, usually made with high quality grains, easily digestible lentils, fresh vegetables, exquisite spicing and homemade ghee, making it adequate, luscious and comforting.I, for one loves it and enjoy this soothing comforting bowl of earthy goodness. To cope with the blandness, khichri is usually paired with tangy and piquant partners, khichri ke char yaar, dahi, paapad, ghee and achaar.Cuisine:OdiaPrep Time:30 minutesCooking Time:10 minutesServes:2Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Rice
  • ½ cup  Moong Dal
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 green cardamom
  • 1/2 inch cinnamon
  • 1 or 2 dry red chilli
  • 1/4tsp of cumin seeds
  • 1/4tsp  asafetida
  • 1tbsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • salt as per taste
  • for garnishing
  • Fresh coriander
  • Green chillies
  • lime wedges
Let's Learn How to make this Khichdi:
  • Rinse and wash Rice and moong lentils together. Soak both of them for 30 minutes in water.
  • Heat 1 tbsp ghee in pressure cooker add cumin. When it starts to splutters then add bayleaf, dry red chillies, green cardamom, cinnamon,grated ginger and asafetida.
  • Saute for 10 to 15 seconds and add the drained the rice and moong lentils to the pressure cooker. Stir for a minute .
  • Pour 3 cups of water, turmeric powder and salt.
  • Close the lid tightly and pressure cook the khichdi on a medium flame for 1 whistle. Once the whistle comes, turn the flame to low and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait till the pressure is released and you can open the lid.
  • Serve the Khichdi with ghee on top  and garnish with coriander leaves, green chillies and a wedge of lemon.
  • This type of Khichdi taste  great with curd/yogurt, papad or pickles to balance the blandness.

Sending this recipe to 33rd Foodie Monday Bloghop theme of celebration of everyday cooking with #RiceYou may also try out other preparation made with rice from the following links:KANIKA - FAMOUS ODIA SWEET RICE

Egg Biryani
Vegetable Yakhni Pulao
Vegetable Tehari
Brown Rice Biryani
Raw Mango Rice
HEALTHY FENUGREEK PULAO - METHI PULAO - METHI PILAF
HYDERABADI CHICKEN BIRYANI
EGG PULAO