On a rainy day, nothing beats the demand for a comforting plate of Bhuna Khichuri. It’s a favorite dish for many, perfect for a cozy breakfast on a holiday morning. Pair it with some pickles, spicy fried eggs, and a touch of ghee on the side—pure bliss! Here’s an easy recipe to prepare flavorful and fluffy Bhuna Khichuri.
Ingredients:
- Moong dal (yellow lentils): 1 cup
- Polao rice: 3 cups
- Soybean oil: ½ cup
- Sliced onions: 1 cup
- Green cardamom: 6
- Cloves: 5
- Bay leaves: 2
- Cinnamon sticks: 3
- Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger paste: 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Green chilies: A few
Bhuna Khichuri Preparation Steps:
- Roast the Lentils:
Dry roast the moong dal on medium heat until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and let it cool. Mix the roasted dal with the rice. - Wash and Drain:
Wash the rice and dal mixture thoroughly. Place it in a strainer and let it drain for 30 minutes. - Sauté the Spices:
Heat oil in a pan and fry the sliced onions and whole garam masala (cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon) until the onions turn golden brown. Add the rice and dal mixture and sauté for 2 minutes. - Add Ginger and Garlic:
Mix in the ginger and garlic paste, and stir for a few more minutes. Then add the powdered spices (turmeric, chili, cumin, coriander, and garam masala) and salt. Keep stirring until the oil separates. Cover the pan for a few minutes. - Cook the Khichuri:
Pour in 6 cups of boiling water and let it come to a boil. Add whole green chilies, slightly breaking their tips for an aromatic flavor. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir lightly, cover again, and let it steam for 15–20 minutes.
Your fluffy and flavorful Bhuna Khichuri is now ready to serve!
Tips:
- Avoid using red lentils (masoor dal) as they make the khichuri too soft.
- You can substitute polao rice with regular rice, but it may require slightly more water.
- For a variation, you can add chickpeas or chana dal for an interesting twist.
Enjoy your homemade Bhuna Khichuri! 😊
