Khichdi or lentils cooked with rice is a complete meal by itself for all! Vegans, vegetarians and all like can benefit from this lovely combination.
Its quick, nourishing and just needs a bowl of yogurt (curds) or some grilled veggies as a side dish. For me its a complete one pot dish!!
You can use any type of lentils or even a combination of lentils if you wish. Please do keep in mind different lentils have different cooking times and if you are experimenting please make sure you know how long each lentil will take to cook and add it into the dish accordingly.
First step is to make the gravy and then add the lentils and rice .
INGREDIENTS FOR 4
1 small cup of yellow chana dal, soaked in water overnight
1 small cup of basmati rice, soaked for half an hour
1 small onion chopped fine
2 cloves of garlic , grated
1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
2-3 green chillies chopped
2 red tomatoes, chopped
a few curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon each of black mustard and cumin seeds
a pinch of asafoetida (hing) which i did not put
1/2 teaspoon of Nitu Didi pure turmeric powder
a small handful of coriander leaves chopped
juice of half a lime
salt to taste
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
METHOD:
Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the mustard seeds and let them splutter for about 15 seconds then add the cumin seeds and asafoetida and let the cumin seeds splutter for 10 seconds and then add the chopped garlic and ginger. When the garlic and ginger change color then add the chopped onion and some salt. Cook till the onion sweats and then add the pure turmeric powder and cook for a few seconds. Add the chopped tomato and green chillies and cook till the tomato is totally smashed up. Now add the lentils and 1 cup of water and cook till the lentils are half cooked. Add the basmati rice and another cup of water and cook till the rice is done (by now the lentils will be cooked too). Check seasoning and correct. Add the lemon juice and mix carefully and serve immediately. This goes well with a bowl of raita or some grilled veggies.
If you are cooking this for an invalid, please omit the green chillies.

For jains please omit onions, ginger and garlic

Benefits of turmeric powder:

Turmeric can be used in treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. Turmeric can be taken as a drink other than adding to dishes to help prevent all problems. Use one teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk every day. It is also used as a paste for local action.