Spicy Beetroot Khichidi.

“Spicy Beetroot Khichidi” served simple with some fried papads … This is a delicious spicy khichidi prepared with Rice~Moong Dal~Beetroot, Seasoned with spices and cashew nuts ... Tastes awesome just as it is or you can serve with some fresh Curds … A wholesome dish I enjoy at dinner time on a tired day out ....... 

** Spicy Khichidi / Pongal is the same with a very minute difference and is a dish that is immensely loved in my home. My hubby never tires of this dish and never complaints if given daily too. Over the years, however I have started preparing different types of Spicy Khichidi with as many variations as possible, also with the addition of different types of veggies, non-veg or dals etc. Here is a nice and healthy version of the same. Spicy Khichidi / Pongal is something I prepare sometimes for Dinner when I have been out during the day and have not had to cook any lunch. Usually my combo of Khichidi is with Rice and Moong Dal with added on spices and sometimes veggies etc. served with some curds. Addition of beetroot is something I like very much to khichidi as it not only gives it an awesome reddish tinge but also makes it aromatic with some sort of wetness. I add in a little bit more spice to this particular combination to balance the beetroot sweetness. 

** Here is the simple Recipe for “Spicy Beetroot Khichidi” …. My Style …. 

** Wash 1 cup of Rice along with 1 cup of Moong dal together in plenty of water. Soak it for 10 minutes and then rinse well. Drain off the excess water and put it in a pressure cooker pan. 

** Peel off the outer skin of one large sized beetroot and cut them into small square pieces. Wash and add this to the rice and dal in the pressure cooker. 

** Add in a pinch of salt, a pinch of turmeric (haldi) powder and 1 tsp of red kashmiri powder to the ingredients in the pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and a tablespoon of ghee and mix well. Pressure cook on medium heat to 2 whistles 

** Let the pressure in the cooker fall on its own. Once you are able to open the lid of the cooker, remove gently and keep this ready aside. 

** In a thick bottomed kadai heat 3 tblsp of ghee, when hot lower the heat and add in a handful of cashew nut pieces and fry till they slightly change in color. Once the color changes remove and keep it aside in a plate to be added on later as garnishing. 

** Now continue in the same kadai, add add in 1 tsp of mustard seeds and when they begin to splutter add in 1 tsp of jeera, 1 tsp of hing powder, ¼ tsp of haldi / turmeric powder, 2 tblsp of kashmiri Red Chilly Powder and 8-10 curry leaves. Fry all for a second, and then add in the pressure cooked rice-moong dal-beetroot into the kadai. 

** Add in a cup of water, salt to taste and mix well. Keep in mind that we have already added a little bit salt while pressuring cooking the rice and dal with beetroot. If necessary add in another cup or two of water depending upon the thickness of the khichidi. Cover and let cook on slow fire till it is all mixed well and is mushy is texture. Lastly garnish with the fried cashew nuts set aside and a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. 

** “Spicy Beetroot Khichidi” is done and ready to be served. Always spicy khichidi steaming hot with some raita or salad. But this particular khichidi has all sorts of mixture in it and can be served as it is. I served it along with some deep fried papads. You can also top the spicy khichidi with a tablespoon of melted ghee while serving. Tastes simply delicious and sure to be loved by your family and friends. I repeat, that this khichidi should be served hot from tava immediately, as it tastes best when served hot. 

** You can use the search option for "Khichidi" where you will get many more combinations both sweet and spicy prepared using it. Do try out various types of dishes to relish with your family and friends and do give me a feedback if possible. 

** An Earnest Request : There are many more recipes of similar type in the blog. For all my Recipes, use the search option or the label section in the Blog. If you are still not able to find it please leave a message in comment section or mail me the same. You can also go to my page (add on the left side of blog) and leave a message and I will try my best to get back to you as soon as possible … Thank you.