About this Dish
A fragrant one-pot rice and lentil dish, fried first for extra depth.
History & Origin
Khichuri is comfort food across Bengal, especially popular during the monsoon, with the "bhuna" (fried) style adding richer, more complex flavor than the plain version.
IngredientsServes 2
🍚Gobindobhog or basmati rice, 1 cup washed and soaked 20 mins
🟡Moong dal (yellow mung lentils), ½ cup dry roasted until golden
🧅Onions, 2 medium thinly sliced
🧄Garlic, 5 cloves minced
🫚Mustard oil, 3 tablespoons
🫚Ghee, 2 tablespoons
🌿Bay leaves 2, whole cumin 1 tsp, cardamom 3 pods, cinnamon 1 small stick
🌶️Green chilies, 3-4 slit lengthwise
🟠Turmeric powder ½ tsp, cumin powder 1 tsp, garam masala ½ tsp
🧂Salt, 1½ teaspoons or to taste
Method
1
Dry roast the moong dal in a pan on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden and smells nutty. Set aside to cool, then rinse it once gently.2
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it just begins to smoke, then lower the heat and add the bay leaves, whole cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.3
Add the sliced onions and fry on medium-high heat, stirring often, until they are deep golden brown — this bhuna step is key, so don't rush it, about 10-12 minutes.4
Stir in the minced garlic, green chilies, turmeric, cumin powder, and salt. Fry the masala for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if it sticks, until oil starts to separate.5
Drain the soaked rice and add it along with the roasted dal into the pot. Stir well and fry everything together for 3-4 minutes so the rice and dal get coated in the spiced oil — this is the 'bhuna' that gives the dish its depth.6
Pour in 3½ cups of warm water, bring to a boil, then cover tightly and cook on the lowest heat for 18-20 minutes until the rice and dal are fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking.7
Turn off the heat, drizzle ghee over the top, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Gently fluff and serve hot with begun bhaja (fried eggplant) or a soft-boiled egg.User Reviews
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