An essential part of the 'Mahaprasad' at Puri's Jagannath Temple, Khechudi (or Khichdi) is a simple, one-pot dish made from rice and lentils, flavored with ghee and light spices.
Ingredients
1 cup Rice
1 cup Moong dal (split yellow gram)
1/2 inch Ginger, grated
1 tsp Turmeric powder
Salt to taste
4 cups Water
2 tbsp Ghee
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 Bay leaf
2 Dry red chilies
Instructions
Wash the rice and moong dal together until the water runs clear.
In a pressure cooker, heat the ghee. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and dry red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
Add the grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
Add the washed rice and dal mixture, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in 4 cups of water and mix well.
Close the pressure cooker and cook for 4-5 whistles on a medium flame.
Let the pressure release naturally. Open the cooker and give it a good mix.
The consistency should be soft and porridge-like. Add more hot water if needed to adjust. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.