Bhoger khichuri

Ingredients

• 1 cup Gobindobhog rice
• 1 cup split moong dal
• 1 potato and 1 cup cauliflower florets, cut in pieces
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin powder
• 2 bay leaves, 2 dried red chillies, 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 cardamoms, 3 cloves, 1 small stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste and about 7 cups water

Method

1. Dry-roast the moong dal in a heavy pan until golden and fragrant. Wash it with the rice.
2. Heat 2 tbsp ghee and fry the potato and cauliflower lightly; set aside.
3. In the same ghee add bay leaves, red chillies, cumin seeds and the whole spices, then the ginger paste, turmeric and cumin powder.
4. Add the rice and dal, stir for 2 minutes, then add hot water and salt. Cook on medium heat, stirring now and then.
5. When the rice and dal are half done, add the fried vegetables and peas. Cook until soft and thick but still flowing.
6. Add sugar and the remaining ghee with a pinch of garam masala. Serve with labra and begun bhaja.