Recipe: Khichadi (Rice and Green Lentils)

KHICHADI (RICE AND GREEN LENTIL)

1/2 inch piece ginger
3 to 4 garlic cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1/2 cup green gram (moong dal/green lentils)
2 tsp oil, divided use
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 bays leaves
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
4 cups water
1 lb. cauliflower coarsely chopped
1 medium potato, cubed
1/2 cup rice preferably long grain
1/2 cup peas
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. chili powder
salt

Grind ginger and garlic together.

Grind cinnamon, cloves and cardamom separately.

Saute green gram in 1 tsp oil until brown.

Heat the remaining 1 tsp. oil onion, mustard seeds, and bay leaves; fry until onion is golden.

Stir in garlic and ginger paste.

Add remaining ingredients and cook under pressure or in a covered pot until all the water is absorbed.

Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot.