Bengali Moong Dal Khichuri – Comforting Rice and Lentil Dish

 Bengali Moong Dal Khichuri – Comforting Rice and Lentil Dish

Bengali Moong Dal Khichuri is a comforting one-pot dish made with fragrant rice, roasted moong dal, vegetables and warming spices. It is especially popular during festive meals and rainy days, and is delicious with a spoonful of ghee.

Ingredients

- 1 cup rice

- ½ cup yellow moong dal

- 1 medium potato, cubed

- 1 small carrot, chopped

- ½ cup cauliflower florets

- ½ cup green peas

- 2 tablespoons ghee

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 3 green cardamom pods

- 3 cloves

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- ½ teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 green chili, slit

- Salt to taste

- 4–5 cups warm water

Method

1. Roast the Moong Dal

Dry-roast the moong dal in a pan over low-medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

2. Wash the Rice and Dal

Wash the rice and roasted moong dal together until the water runs mostly clear.

Drain and keep aside.

3. Prepare the Tempering

Heat ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker.

Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin seeds.

Let them sizzle until fragrant.

4. Add Ginger and Spices

Add grated ginger and green chili.

Sauté briefly.

Add turmeric, cumin powder and coriander powder.

Stir for a few seconds.

5. Add the Vegetables

Add potato, carrot, cauliflower and green peas.

Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add Rice and Dal

Add the washed rice and moong dal.

Mix gently with the vegetables and spices.

Pour in 4–5 cups of warm water and add salt.

7. Cook the Khichuri

Cover and cook until the rice, dal and vegetables are completely soft.

If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 3–4 whistles, depending on the cooker.

The finished khichuri should be soft and slightly porridge-like.

8. Finish and Serve

Add a little extra ghee before serving.

Gently mix and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Bengali Moong Dal Khichuri pairs beautifully with:

- Begun bhaja (fried eggplant)

- Papad

- Tomato chutney

- Pickles

- Plain yogurt

- A spoonful of ghee

Tips

- Roasting the moong dal gives the khichuri a wonderful nutty aroma.

- Adjust the amount of water depending on whether you prefer thick or softer khichuri.

- Don't overcook the vegetables if you want them to retain some texture.

- Fresh ginger adds a lovely warmth to the dish.

- Serve immediately for the best consistency.

Final Thoughts

Bengali Moong Dal Khichuri is simple, nourishing and deeply comforting. The combination of roasted lentils, fragrant spices, rice and vegetables creates a wholesome Indian meal that's perfect for both everyday cooking and special occasions.