Bengali Style Puja Bhag Khichdi: A Simple and Delicious Dish

Puja bhag khichdi in Bengali

During religious rituals, the Bengali dish puja bhag khichdi is frequently served as prasad. Rice, lentils, and spices are used to make this straightforward yet filling recipe.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup rice gobindobhog

Moong dal, 1 cup

* A cup of ghee

* A cinnamon stick, 1 inch

* 2 cardamoms, green

Three cloves

Bay leaf, one

* One tablespoon of cumin seeds

* Grated ginger, 1 inch

* One-half teaspoon of turmeric powder

* One half a teaspoon of red chili powder

* One-quarter teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)

* 2 sliced tiny tomatoes

* 1/2 cup florets from cauliflower

* Half a cup of green peas

* A half-teaspoon of salt

* One-fourth cup chopped cilantro

* One cup of minced mint

Instructions:

1. Until the water is clear, rinse the rice and dal in cold water.

2. In a big pot over medium heat, melt the ghee. Fry for a little period of time after adding the cinnamon stick, cardamoms, cloves, and bay leaf.

3. Add the cumin seeds and continue to cook for a couple of seconds until aromatic.

4. Stir in the ginger and cook for one minute.

5. Stir-fry the asafoetida, red chili powder, and turmeric powder for a little period of time.

6. Include the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes or until they are tender.

7. Include the green peas and cauliflower and simmer for a further 2 minutes.

8. Stir in the spices before adding the rice and dal.

9. Include 4 cups of water and heat till boiling.

10. Lower the heat to a low setting, cover the pot, and let the food simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice and dal are fully cooked.

11. Add the cilantro and mint, then hot serve.

Tips:

* You can use ghee and vegetable oil 50/50 for a deeper flavor.

* You can substitute any sort of white rice if you don't have gobindobhog rice.

* Other veggies can be added to the khichdi, like carrots, potatoes, or peas.

* You can cook the khichdi until it's almost done, then let it cool fully if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Reheat the khichdi over low heat until it is thoroughly heated when you are ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Variations:

Traditional puja bhag khichdi in Bengali: Hing or coconut milk are not added.

Kichdi with coconut milk: Along with the water, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the khichdi.

In Hindi, khichdi: To the spices, add 1/2 teaspoon of hing (asafoetida).

Here are some extra suggestions for preparing puja bhag khichdi in Bengali style:

* To get the greatest flavor and texture, use gobindobhog rice.

* Before cooking, soak the rice and dal in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will increase the flavor of the khichdi and shorten the cooking time.

* To prevent overcooking, add the vegetables at the end of cooking.

* To add a fresh flavor, garnish with mint and cilantro.