Shahi kidchi is a light, tasty and nutritious dish. It enjoys fame through outIndiabut encompasses regional variations. The rice and lentils are simmered till mushy and seasoned with salt, turmeric powder, cumin seeds and other spices. Vegetable like green peas, cauliflower, potato etc are usually added to the cooked rice and lentils. Shahi Khichdi is usually relished with papad/pickle/ potato or brinjal fry. The dish may be consumed as a traditional lunch food item or as a bhog offered to deities during some religious ceremony. The dish is easily digestible and serves as an appropriate monsoon diet. Shahi Khichdi was taught to me by my grandmother. It is prepared in our house during every Saraswati puja. Have a look at the recipe.

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Rice-150 gram

Tuvar dal-50 gram

Chana dal-50 gram

Whole moong dal-50 gram

Whole masoor dal-50 gram

Red whole chilly-3

Cardamom-2-3 pieces.

Carrot-50 gram

Potatoes-50 gram

French beans-50 grams

Cauliflower-50 grams

Green peas-50 grams

Tomato-1

Onion-1

Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon

Chilly powder-1/4 teaspoon

Coriander powder-1/4 teaspoon

Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon

Mix of whole masala (clove, black pepper and cinnamon sticks)-1 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Oil for cooking

Mix of cashews, raisins and almonds-1 tablespoon

Ghee-2 teaspoons

Method

Wash and cut the vegetables ( carrot, potato, cauliflower, peas and French beans) Mix rice and the lentils (tuvar dal, chana dal, moong dal and masoor dal), wash and thoroughly drain. Heat oil in a pan Add whole red chilies, cardamom, cumin seeds, mix of whole masalas and sauté. Cut tomato and onion in to slices and when the spices in the pan start crackling add onion and tomato slices and fry till they change color. Then add dal-rice mix, the cut vegetables, salt, turmeric powder, chilly powder and coriander powder. Stir and transfer all ingredients of the pan to pressure cooker. Pour 2 glasses of water and pressure cook the ingredients up to 3 whistles. You shahi Khichdi is ready for serving

Serving Instruction

Garnish with ghee and dry nuts and raisins mix and serve hot.