Flavors of India Spiced Toor Dal and Masoor Dal Khichdi

Khichdi holds a special place in Indian cuisine, representing comfort and wholesomeness. This dish combines the goodness of toor dal, masoor dal, and rice with a fragrant blend of spices. It's a balanced meal packed with proteins and flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1/2 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Optional: diced carrots, peas, and chopped spinach for added veggies

Instructions:

1. Rinse the toor dal, masoor dal, and rice together until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 20-30 minutes.

2. In a pressure cooker or large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Saute until fragrant.

3. Add the drained dals and rice to the pot. Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the dals and rice with the spices.

4. Pour in about 4 cups of water. Close the pressure cooker or pot with a lid. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles. If using a pot, simmer the khichdi on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dals and rice are soft and well cooked (approximately 30-40 minutes).

5. Once cooked, allow any excess pressure to release, and then open the cooker. Give the khichdi a gentle mix. If it's too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more hot water.

6. Serve the khichdi hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious meal on its own or with a side of yogurt, pickles, or papad.

Flavor Profile:

The Spiced Toor Dal and Masoor Dal Khichdi offers a delightful blend of earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and the subtle sweetness of ghee. It's a hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite, perfect for any day you crave a taste of India's flavors in a bowl.