Name: Bhuni Khichuri
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 0 For the Khichuri:; 1 cup Gobindobhog rice (a fragrant and short-grain rice variety, but you can use Basmati rice as an alternative); 0.5 cup split yellow moong dal (split yellow mung beans); 0.5 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, and cauliflower), cut into small pieces; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp cumin seeds; 0 1 (2 bay leaves); 0 2 (3 green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)); 0 1 (2 dried red chilies (optional)); 0.5 tsp ginger paste; 0.5 tsp cumin powder; 0.5 tsp garam masala; 0 Salt to taste; 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter); 0 2 (3 tablespoons mustard oil); 0 For the Bhuni (Roasted) Masala:; 1 tbsp whole garam masala (a mixture of cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom, and black cardamom); 0 1 (2 dried red chilies)

Instructions

Begin by dry roasting the whole garam masala and dried red chilies for the Bhuni Masala. You want to roast them until they release a nice aroma.
Once roasted, let them cool, and then grind them into a fine powder. Set this Bhuni Masala aside.
Wash the rice and moong dal together in plenty of water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. Then, drain the water.
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Bring it to smoking point to remove the pungent smell.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, dried red chilies (if using), and green chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for a few seconds.
Add ginger paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the soaked and drained rice and moong dal. Sauté for a couple of minutes to coat them with the oil and spices.
Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of the Bhuni Masala you prepared earlier. Stir well.
Pour in 3 cups of water, add salt, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the rice and dal are cooked, and the khichuri has a porridge-like consistency. Stir occasionally.
Once the khichuri is cooked, add ghee and the rest of the Bhuni Masala. Mix well.
Sprinkle garam masala over the top and give it a final stir.
Your Bhoger Bhuni Khichuri is ready to be served.
Note- It is typically served with a side of Labra (a mixed vegetable dish), Papad (thin lentil wafers), and Sona Moong Dal (yellow mung bean dal). Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Bengali dish during your special occasions or festivals.