Sandhya’s Smatterings: Khichdi – the Ultimate Comfort Food

It’s soon to be fall, the leaves will change color. You and your honey can take a nice leisurely drive to the country (and stop at the desi stores and outlet malls on the way). It’s time for our desi comfort food when the wind picks up, the leaves rustle and you need a shawl or the sweater that Jharna Aunty knitted for you before you left the country. She said that when you wear this, it will remind you of the old country. An old sweater which has seen better days and Khichdi…the desi risotto.—what else could be better?

Sandhya’s Khichdi – the Ultimate Comfort Food

- 2 cup rice (Basmati is preferred)
- 1 cup yellow toor dal (yellow lentils)
- 2-3 cloves
- 2 onions sliced thin
- 4 green chilies slit
- A few curry leaves (4 should do)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- Salt to taste

1. Wash and soak the yellow lentils for 15 mins hour with a pinch of salt. (Best done while watching Indian Idol).
Boil the dal with a pinch of turmeric powder. Set aside.

2. Wash the rice couple of times to take out the white white powder

3. Take 2 tablespoons of oil

4. Fry the onions, cloves, green chilies and curry leaves till onions are golden brown

5. Add salt and ginger garlic paste and continue sautéing for 2 minutes

6. Add the washed rice and fry for a couple of minutes so that the rice is coated by the spices

7. Add the cooked dal, mix well and add water. My mom’s self taught measure to make rice: dip pinky in rice to top level and add enough water to come to second knuckle.

8. Cook it for 20 minutes till the rice is done.

9. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

10. Yogurt on side is good too—if the khichdi is too spicy for your sweetie.

Aah comfort food! Have a nice gulab jamun after that.

More next time…. If you have questions or want a Sandhya special.. let me know.