Khichuri

I am at my mother's place. Monsoon is here...Looking out of the window I see the rain drops on the windowpane, palm trees swaying, swollen pond. A tiny kingfisher sitting on a small branch of a mango tree and the wonderful aroma of khichuri my mother is preparing.

Khichuri is similar to paella. Vegetable crisps or Ilish bhaja are the best side dishes. Some prefer labra(mixed vegetable mash).

Ingredients:
Rice-60 gm,
Moong dal / lentil- 60gm,
Potatoes-100 gm,  cut to big chunks
Cauliflower - 100 gm, cut to big chunks
Green chili sliced -2 pc,
Jeera (Cumin seed)-1 tsp,
Jeera powder (Cumin powder)-1/2 tsp,



Turmeric powder-1 tsp,
Red chili powder -1 tsp ,
Tejpatta (Bay leaves) -2 pc, 

Oil for frying - 10 gm(2 tsp).

Sugar - 10 gm.
Salt - to taste,
Water-1 Lt.
Ghee-1 tbsp.
Preparation time : 10min
Serves: 4 persons.

Steps:
Roast Moong dal till light golden. Wash and keep aside.

Heat oil in a frying pan. Add the potatoes and cauliflower chunks. Shallow fry till golden brown. Drain oil and keep aside.
In a pan/Handi take 2 tsp oil and heat it. Sizzle the cumin seeds and bay leaf . Add the spices and rice and stir well. Add the dal, the vegetables, water and close the lid of the pan. Cook until rice and dal are soft and has a semi-solid consistency.
Pour ghee over the cooked rice ,garnish with sliced green chilies. Serve hot.