Khichari …Indian Soul Food

There is no better 1st Food related post than Khichri to kick my Blog off. Dhal and rice is the glue that binds us …Indians all over the globe can relate to these nutritious and staple pantry ingredients.

Khichri / Khichdi would definitely feature in my top 3 dishes when it comes to comfort food. It is food for the soul – simple, nourishing and revitalising. It’s a one pot meal that is healthy, balanced, easy to prepare and inexpensive. You’ll find it on our lunch(after school) menu weekly sometimes twice – as a vegetarian it’s a winner meal! 

What is it ? A simple combination of Rice and Dhal cooked together. Any type of rice or Dhal would work and the end result delicious. The ratio of Rice to Dhal is the differentiating factor from region to region. The difference is also in the use …

If an accompanient to a meal with Khadi then I’d say 1cup rice to a hanful of Dhal to 1/4 cup of dhal.

BUT the way I grew up , Khichari is that one pot wonder meal . Comfort Food!

For Food related questions … Khichari ( Khichdi) is always a good answer! 

Colds and Flus – eat khichari

Low immunity- eat khichari 

Don’t know what to cook – eat khichari 

You need a hug and some extra tlc – eat khichari 

It’s a rainy day – eat khichari 

Every Indian Mum

You get the idea !! So when we got back from our little trip at 5pm , nothing in the fridge and bodies needing nourishment ( not ideal eating habits when we were at the Berg ) you know that feeling …when you need a wholesome meal ! Pantry and freezer stash to the rescue .

At 6.15 we were unpacked, bathed and at the dinner table – the pressure cooker did the work. All I did was braise veggies I had in the freezer , and it helps to have a stash of pickle on hand . 

Fuss free , soul soothing goodness! That’s khichari!! 

Make your own…every region or home have their own version and rice to grain ratio… try this version for a moreish one pot wonder . 

Boil

  • 1 cup brown basmati rice 
  • 3/4 cup mung dal (green mung or split yellow mung ) or any Dhal of choice       
  • Salt                                                                                                     

• Rinse dhal and rice at least 3 times – until water is clear

• Combine in a pot or pressure cooker with around 6 cups of water. Add salt 1tsp and a bit to taste. Cook until completely softened – 20/30 min depending on pressure cooker settings or 30/45min on the hob

Braise

  • Ghee      
  • Small piece ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic sliced
  • Cinnamon stick           
  • 2/3 Cloves
  • 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds ( jeera)
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds ( sarsoo/rai)
  • Whole dry red chilli
  • 1/2 tsp each – Hurdee ( turmeric) , dhania , jeera
  • Curry leaves
Heat Ghee – Add all dry seeds and curry leaves – allow to splatter – Add garlic – careful not to burn. Add powders , allow to warm through – Toss into hot kichari – My Nani used always say you must hear that hot braise sizzle as it hits the hot kichari 😊

Eat with your favourite seasonal pickle /chutney or yoghurt

Assorted vegetables (optional) – I like to add either spinach/Marrows/Carrots/Green beans or combinations (Chop finely so not much time needed to cook through) You can add to kichari to cook for 5/10min. This is an easy place for me to get the veggies in for the boys at lunch time.

Leave a comment