Red lentils stand in for mung beans and team up rice to make a super-easy Indian dish (also called kitchari) that is reminiscent of porridge, but with plenty of lively flavor from the ginger, cumin and jalapeno. Fresh cilantro stirred in at the end adds nice flecks of bright green.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 1 hr |
| Active: | 15 min |
| Yield: | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Soak the lentils and rice together in water in a medium bowl for 30 minutes; drain and rinse well.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and stir until they just start to fizzle, about 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the turmeric, tomato, jalapeno and ginger. Cook, stirring, until the tomato softens, about 1 minute. Add the lentils, rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender and the lentils have broken down completely, about 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and season with salt. Stir in the cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 174 |
| Total Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Cholesterol | 15 milligrams |
| Sodium | 97 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 1 grams |
| Protein | 6 grams |
Reviews
I just made this with my husband. It is simple and delicious. We ate it by itself (make sure to add enough salt. No skimping now) and it was wonderful, but we also mixed it with some salsa we were trying to finish off and that was fabulous. The extra salt and tomato were good. Will definitely make again! Not spicy, but it is warming (the spice level warms but doesn’t burn or anything, I mean).
I came here from the YOGA teachers training. the Textbook says khichdi is healthy and good food. I learned at here. Thank you.