RAM KHICHDI / RAM KHICHRI (GUJARATHI STYLE)

This is an easy to make, wholesome one pot meal from Gujarat, which doesn't need any side dish. In Rajasthan, gattas are also added to this. However, it can be served with pickle, curd or any chutney.

INGREDIENTS:

Raw rice - 1/2 cup
Moong dhal - 1/2 cup
Water - 31/2 cups
Mixed vegetables ( Beans, carrot, shelled peas) - 1 cup
Grated ginger - 1/2 tsp.
Green chillies - 1 finely chopped
Pepper - 1/2 tsp.
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp.
Cloves - 3
Cinnamon stick - 1" piece - 1
Turmeric powder - 1/8 tsp.
Salt - to taste
Hing (asafoetida) - a pinch
Curry leaves - few

Ghee - 3 tablespoons

Oil - 2 tablespoons
Cashews - 2 tsp. (broken)

METHOD:

Pressure cook rice and dhal without adding salt. Mash well.

In a pan, heat a spoon of ghee and fry cashews till golden brown. Keep aside.

In the same pan, heat oil, add cinnamon, cloves and pepper. When pepper splutters, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, grated ginger, chopped green chillies and hing. Saute for 10 seconds and add the chopped vegetables, little salt, turmeric powder and saute well till done. Add these over the rice. Add some more salt for rice and mix well. Garnish with cashews. Melt ghee and top the khichdi while serving.

Serve hot with any chutney of your choice or pickle or fresh curd.