Masala Khichdi

Khichdi, its one of the most simplest and easiest to make. You can never go wrong in making khichdi. I remember when i had started cooking way back when i was in school one of the dishes I learnt first was khichdi. Its said to be mild for stomach and considered to be a comfort food. Most of the doctors suggest to eat khichdi in sickness. Khichdi is very famous in gujaratis and we prepare it almost once or twice a week. Its best for bachelors and when you need something in jiffy as this dish can be prepared in minutes. Traditionally khichdi is prepared using Toor Dal and Rice and its mildly spiced with salt and turmeric powder. Spoonfuls of ghee is drizzled over it and served with Kadhi. I know lot of you out there must be thinking about the extra calories, but believe me its all worth it :) I have prepared this dish using split green gram lentils and added whole spices and masalas, hence the name Masala Khichdi. The recipe below serves 2. This is my fourth entry to Single Serving Recipes event started by Sahaja of SpicyRasam. Ingredients: 2/3 cup rice 1/3 cup split green gram 1 big red onion chopped finely 2 tbsp peanuts 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp red chillie powder 1/2 tsp garam masala powder For tempering: 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 3 whole cardamon pods split into half 1 stick cinnamon 3-4 whole black peppers 1 bay leaf 2-3 anise flowers 2-3 cloves 2 dry red chillis broken into half 1 pinch asafoetida

Procedure:

• Wash the rice and green gram together, keep it aside.
• In a pressure cooker, heat the oil add cumin seeds, elaichi, black peppers, cinnamon, dry red chillies, bay leaf, star anise, cloves and asafoetida.
• When cumin seeds start spluttering, add in peanuts and saute for about 2 mins.
• Now add in onions, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Saute the mixture for about 5 mins.
• Add the rice and green gram along with 2 1/2 cups of water. Pressure cook on medium for about 3 to 4 whistles or until cooked.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with curd.

The best part about this dish is that you can eat it just as it is without any side dish, its a whole meal in itself. I like mine with pickle and curd.

Variations: You can also add in some veggies like carrots, green peas cauliflower etc to give it a healthier touch.