### Hyderabadi Khichdi Recipe
Hyderabadi khichdi is a comforting and tasty rice preparation that melds the deep flavors of basmati rice, masoor dal (red lentils), and a variety of fragrant spices. This distinctive dish is often accompanied by a zesty chutney called ‘khatta’ or til ka khatta, making it an ideal meal for any celebration.
#### Ingredients
**For Hyderabadi Khichdi:**
– 1 cup basmati rice
– ½ cup masoor dal (red lentils)
– 2 tablespoons desi ghee (clarified butter)
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1-2 green chilies, slit
– 1-2 bay leaves
– 1-2 cloves
– 1-2 cardamom pods
– 1 small cinnamon stick
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnishing
– 4 cups water
**For Til ka Khatta:**
– 1 medium-sized lemon-sized tamarind ball
– 2 cups water
– 2 heaped tablespoons of roasted sesame seed powder
– 1 small onion, chopped
– Fresh coriander, chopped
– Salt to taste
– Optional tempering: mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, crushed garlic
#### Instructions
**Preparing the Khichdi:**
1. **Rinse and Soak:** Clean the basmati rice and masoor dal under running water until it is clear. Soak them in water for around 30 minutes, then drain.
2. **Heat Ghee:** In a large pot, warm the desi ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splatter.
3. **Sauté Onions and Spices:** Toss in the diced onions and sauté until they reach a golden brown color. Next, introduce the slit green chilies, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute until the aroma is released.
4. **Add Rice and Dal:** Incorporate the soaked rice and dal into the pot, stirring gently to mix with the spices.
5. **Add Water and Cook:** Add 4 cups of water and season with salt. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat, covering the pot, and allowing it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice and dal are tender and the water is absorbed, achieving a fluffy texture reminiscent of biryani.
6. **Garnish:** After cooking, fluff the khichdi with a fork and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves.
**Preparing Til ka Khatta:**
1. **Soak Tamarind:** Soak the tamarind ball in a cup of warm water for roughly 15 minutes. Extract the juice and strain if needed.
2. **Mix Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the tamarind juice with 2 cups of water, roasted sesame seed powder, chopped onion, fresh coriander, and salt. Stir well.
3. **Optional Tempering:** For extra flavor, heat a small amount of oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, and crushed garlic. Once they splutter, drizzle this tempering over the khatta mixture.
#### Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hyderabadi khichdi warm with til ka khatta on the side. This dish is excellent with papad and can be savored as a complete meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Hyderabadi khichdi serves not only as a delightful comfort food but also as a nutritious dish that is gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for people of all ages. Relish this flavorful creation and savor the essence of Hyderabadi gastronomy!