Bhuna Khichuri | ভুনা খিচুড়ি

Ingredients

Method

1. 1

   Prepare Rice: Wash Gobindobhog rice thoroughly, soak for 30 minutes, then drain completely.

2. 2

   Roast Dal: Dry-roast moong dal over medium heat until lightly roasted; do not brown it too much. Wash, soak for 30 minutes and drain completely. Proper draining helps achieve fluffy, separate-grain Khichuri.

3. 3

   Fry Cauliflower: Heat 5 tsp mustard oil and lightly fry the cauliflower. Remove and keep aside.

4. 4

   Temper: In a heavy-bottomed kadai, heat 5 tsp white oil and 1 tsp ghee. Add bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried red chillies and whole cumin. Fry for 30–40 seconds.

5. 5

   Cashews & Raisins: Fry cashews for 30–40 seconds. Add raisins and fry for another 30–40 seconds. Do not burn.

6. 6

   Bhuna Rice & Dal: Add drained rice and roasted dal. Bhuna over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until well coated with the oil and spices and lightly roasted in aroma. This is one of the most important steps for fluffy Bhuna Khichuri.

7. 7

   Add Vegetables: Add fried cauliflower and peas. Bhuna for another 2–3 minutes.

8. 8

   Add Spices: Reduce heat. Add ginger paste, turmeric and cumin powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the raw ginger smell disappears. Do not add red chilli powder.

9. 9

   Add Water: Slowly add 6 cups hot water. Add slit green chillies, approximately 2 tsp salt and 3 tsp sugar. Adjust salt later if required.

10. 10

    Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes. Avoid frequent stirring.

11. 11

    Check: Rice and dal should be cooked; cauliflower tender but intact; peas cooked but not mushy; no excess water; grains visibly separate. The Khichuri should not be pasty.

12. 12

    Finish: Add 1 tsp garam masala and the remaining 1 tsp ghee. Gently fold, cook on low for 30–60 seconds and turn off the heat.

13. 13

    Rest: Cover and rest for 3–5 minutes. Open and gently fluff.

    Your Jhoro-Jhoro Niramish Bhuna Khichuri is ready.

    Saptami Special Lunch

    Serve hot with:

    ঝরঝরে ভুনা খিচুড়ি + নিরামিষ লাবড়া + বেগুনি

    Bhuna Khichuri + Niramish Labra + Beguni — a traditional family-style Saptami Special Lunch.