kosa khichdi recipe
Khichdi means mixture, usually of two grains. It is nourishing and easy to digest, and typically eaten during times of detox, cleansing, and deep spiritual practice. It is also given to babies and the elderly, good for digestion, and is considered an Indian comfort food.
Ingredients
2 tbsp ghee
1/2 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp coriander seed
1/4-1/2 tsp fennel
1-2 green cardamom pods (popped open)
1 cup basmati rice
1 cup dal (various types lentils may be used) usually split yellow moong
6 cups hot water
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
Any seasonal spices - use your intuition!
Pinch of asefoetida (hing) resin (optional)
2 cups vegetables (seasonal, organic, fresh) 1/2 inch cubes
Salt to taste
PREPARE
Rinse dal and rice twice or until water runs clear
Soak dal for 1 hr minimum / Soak rice for 1/2 hr minimum
Drain dal and rice in strainer
TADKA (TEMPERING)
Warm the ghee in a small pan on medium heat (or on Saute in electric cooker)
Add whole spices and cook until lightly roasted and aromatic
DO NOT let spices brown
COOK
Gently add rice and dal to bloomed spices, so ghee coats all grains
Turn heat down to low, and add vegetables (harder ones that require more cooking time)
Add other ground spices and sauté with vegetables
Boil water (can be done in a kettle)
Pour 5c. of water over rice; set aside remaining 1 c. water
Add turmeric, hing, and 1 tsp salt
Keep on high heat and bring to boil
Partially cover pan with lid ajar, and simmer 20 minutes without stirring
Check periodically to determine if more water is required. Dal and rice mixture should always be submerged. Add remaining boiled water as needed, and do not stir
After an additional 20 minutes, add quicker cooking vegetables (e.g., spinach)
Simmer, partially covered 10 more minutes; Khichdi should be soupy and soft
ELECTRIC COOKER version - Add rice and dal, sauté with bloomed spices, add vegetables and powdered spices and salt, fill water to max and turn on Rice setting to pressure cook.
Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro
Mash with fork or lightly with hand blender
