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    Home » Rice

    Published: Jan 10, 2017 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Bhuni Chana Dal Khichdi

    Blogging Marathon #72 Week 2 Day 1

    Theme: Festival Special

    Dish: Bhuni Chana Dal Khichdi



    Lightly roasted Chana Dal and Rice; pressure cooked with peas and spices makes a comforting one-pot meal. This Bhuni Chana Dal Khichdi is a Sankranti special recipe from Punjab!


    January is here and it is time for another edition of Blogging Marathon. For this week my theme is Festival Special recipes. Given the theme, I decided to make recipes for Sankranti. 


    This festival is celebrated in different parts of India in a different way. The Harvest Festival of India, this day is believed to mark the beginning of Spring in the country. Celebrated as Makar Sankranti in most parts of the country, the festival is also known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Lohri in Punjab.

    A number of dishes are made in different parts, mostly all revolving around the theme of preparing dishes from freshly harvested grains and seeds. From the sweet chikkis to savory khichdis and pongals, all these dishes are yummy and perfect for the cold winters. 

    This time I decided to prepare a Punjabi version of Sankranti's Khichdi. The major difference in this and other khichdis is that the lentils and rice are sauteed in ghee before pressure cooking them. This method gives the khichdi a distinct flavor. Traditionally, khichdi is made from moong dal; either yellow skinned dal or the green with skin. However, this one is made from chana dal. A great way to sneak in a few green peas to the khichdi with this recipe. 

    A bowl of khichdi, served with yogurt, salad and papad; this combination is perfect for lunch or dinner. We like our lentil grains separate and so we cooked the khichdi for three whistles. However, if you like them totally mashed, cook for one extra whistle. That way the lentils will be mashed and the peas will be cooked through. 

    This recipe is from  the age old collection of my grand mother's recipes. I remember how we used to devour this khichdi with spoonfuls of chilled yogurt. We would be served this khichdi with a spoon of homemade ghee, another ingredient that our family expects we should consume the most in winters! Hope you enjoy and try this one for your family this winter!




    Ingredients


    Chana Dal 1 cup

    Basmati Rice 1 cup

    Green Peas 1 cup

    Onion 1 medium, diced

    Ginger Garlic Paste 1 tsp

    Ghee 2 tbsp

    Star Anise 1-2

    Bay leaves 1-2

    Cinnamon stick 1 inch 

    Cloves 3-4

    Mustard Seeds 1 tsp
    Asafoetida a pinch

    Cumin Seeds 1 tsp

    Turmeric Powder ½ tsp

    Dried Red Chilli 2-3

    Salt 1 tsp

    Method


    Wash and soak the rice and dal separately. In a pressure cooker add the ghee and add the mustard seeds. Once they pop add asafoetida, cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, red chilli and cloves. 


    Once the spices become fragrant, add the ginger garlic paste and saute. Add the onion and cook till soft. Then drain and add the dal. Saute for a couple of minutes and add the drained rice. 


    Saute it all and finally add the peas. Season with salt, add turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Add 2 cups water and pressure cook for 3 whistles. Release pressure and open the cooker. 


    Serve immediately with yogurt, papad and salad. 



    Check out the Blogging Marathon page to see what the other Blogging Marathoners are doing for this BM#72

    « Paneer Bhurji | Paneer Akuri
    Multigrain Pesto Swirl Bread for #BreadBakers »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharmila kingsly says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Yummy khichdi.. Always a great fan of your clicks.. Cheers Smruti greats clicks!!

      Reply
    2. Nalini's Kitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Must be a flavorful and comforting kichdi..

      Reply
    3. vaishali sabnani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      that is hardly a khichdi..it is a delicious looking meal..with rice..excellent one .

      Reply
    4. Gayathri Kumar says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Beautifully presented kichdi. Looks so good..

      Reply
    5. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Ah that bowl of rice looks amazing!..so festive indeed Smruti!

      Reply
    6. Jayashree says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Beautiful pics. Can't take my eyes off the screen.

      Reply
    7. MySpicyKitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Khichdi has a lovely color. Rice is grainy and perfectly cooked. Mouthwatering chana dal khichdi

      Reply
    8. Sharmila kingsly says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Awesome Kichadi 🙂

      Reply
    9. veena says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Amazing clicks!!!Khichdi looks inviting!!!

      Reply
    10. Priya Suresh says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Wow, this khichdi looks ultimate, prefectly cookies rice and the addition of channa dal sounds very interesting.

      Reply
    11. Chef Mireille says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      what a colorful and flavorful plate

      Reply
    12. Harini R says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Interesting version of chana dal khichdi

      Reply
    13. cookingwithsapana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      I could eat this khichdi everyday. Looks yummy.

      Reply
    14. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      What a interesting kichdi this and just love the vibrant color of the dish.

      Reply
    15. Pavani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Such a delicious and hearty khichdi Smruthi. I've never tried it with chana dal, it sounds yummy!!

      Reply
    16. preeti garg says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      Love rice recipe.. but its not look like khichdi.. its a one pot meal..

      Reply

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    This blog is dedicated to one of my greatest passions, Cooking. I have always loved to cook, especially trying out some unconventional recipes.

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