Thursday, Dec 20 2007

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Khichdi "Chaar Yaar" Wali Khichdi (Chaar Yaar:Four Friends)

In many Bihari Hindu families, Khichdi is necessarily prepared on Saturdays. The reason being the strong belief that eating Khichdi on Saturdays protects humans from any ill effects of "shani grah" the planet Saturn ...but the spicy khichdi with its accouterments is enjoyed for its delicious taste that goes beyond the traditional reason for eating khichdi.

We often heard an age old adage about khichdi from our elders, it goes as ..... " Khichdi ke chaar yaar...dahi, papad, ghee, achaar" meaning that khichdi must be accompanied with its 4 friends, namely curd, papad (poppadum), desi ghee and pickle whenever served.

Ingredients

Basmati rice - 200 gm
Moong daal - 100 gm
Masoor daal -100 gm.
Desi ghee - 4 tbsp

For tadka :
Dried red chilly - 2
Bay leaves - 2
Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Ginger -Garlic paste - 1 tbsp

Whole garam masala:
Green cardamoms - 2 peeled and mashed
Black cardamoms - 1 peeled and mashed
Cinnamon - 1-inch stick
Cloves - 4

Powdered masala:
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilly powder - 1 tsp
Jeera powder - 1tsp
Dhania powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp

Salt - to taste
Sugar - 1/4 tsp.
Peas - 1/4 cup
Cauliflower - 5 flowerettes

Method:

1. Roast the moong daal in a dry karaahi for 5 minutes over medium flame. Then wash this daal and masoor daal. Wash the basmati rice and keep aside
2. In a pressure cooker heat 2 tbsp of desi ghee, add the ingredients of tadka. When jeera begins to splutter add the whole garam masala, and ginger garlic paste.
3. Saute for a minute then add powdered masalas. Add peas and cauliflower. Saute for 2 minutes on low flame.
4. Put the rice and the daals also into the pressure cooker. Add water, salt, sugar and the remaining desi ghee.
5. Close cooker, bring to full pressure on high flame, let it give out its first whistle. Then reduce heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes.
6. For serving: melt some desi ghee in a vessel. Spread a thin layer of khichdi in a plate, pour the melted ghee on it evenly, then on the sides of plate put the 4 friends of khichdi. Bharta (potato, or teen ratan mixed bharta) can also be served along with the 4 friends.

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Bihari Cuisine Index