Aromatic Bangladeshi Bhuna Khichuri

Name: Aromatic Bangladeshi Bhuna Khichuri
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 1/2 cup red lentils (masoor dal); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; 2-3 cardamom pods; 1-inch cinnamon stick; 1 large onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1-inch piece ginger; 1 cup mixed vegetables; 2-3 green chilies

Rice and Lentils Infused with Fragrant Spices

A comforting one-pot dish combining rice, lentils, and spices for a hearty meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Rice and Lentils

1 cup basmati rice

rinsed

1/2 cup red lentils (masoor dal)

rinsed

For the Spice Mix

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp coriander seeds

2-3 cardamom pods

1-inch cinnamon stick

For the Aromatics

1 large onion

thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic

minced

1-inch piece ginger

grated

For the Vegetables

1 cup mixed vegetables

carrots, peas, potatoes, diced

2-3 green chilies

slit lengthwise

Preparation

Preparing the Spice Mix

Toast spices

Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick in a pan over low heat until fragrant.

Ensure spices do not burn during toasting.

Grind spices

Grind the toasted spices into a fine powder.

Set aside

Set aside the spice mix for later use.

Preparing the Rice and Lentils

Rinse and soak rice

Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, soak for 20 minutes, then drain.

Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier results.

Rinse and soak lentils

Rinse the red lentils and soak separately for 20 minutes, then drain.

Combine rice and lentils

Combine rice and lentils in a bowl and set aside.

Cooking Process

Sauté aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot, add sliced onions, and cook until golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and sauté for 2 minutes.

Sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are golden.

Build flavors

Add the ground spice mix and diced vegetables to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables well with spices.

Simmer rice and lentils

Add the soaked rice and lentils to the pot, pour in 3 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Use medium-low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Plating & Serving