Kichari (also spelled Kitchari or Kichadi) is an Indian rice and lentils-based stew. It’s super easy to make and is very tasty and should make for a perfect side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- ½ cup red lentils
- 1 ½ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the frying pan)
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Seasoning
- Lemon juice
- Chili oil
- Cilantro
- Paprika
Instructions
- Soak the rice in tap water for 10 minutes. Drain and strain into a bowl.
- Rinse the lentils and strain into a separate bowl.
- In a pot (heavy bottom, if you have) heat up the oil and add the mustard seeds until they start to pop, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the onion, wait until it’s golden.
- Add the salt, then the tomatoes, the hot water, and finally the rice.
- Cover and cook on medium for about 10 minutes.
- Stir and add the lentils.
- Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Lower the flame and leave covered for 10 minutes.
- In a frying pan heat up oil and fry the garlic until golden.
- Add cumin (and if you’re using it, also the paprika).
- Pour the content of the frying pan into the pot, stir well mixing the content.
- Leave to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
