Mandira Bhoga Khichdi: A Sacred Navratri Rice & Lentil Dish
1 hour
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About Mandira Bhoga Khichdi: A Sacred Navratri Rice & Lentil Dish
Mandira Bhoga Khichdi is a sacred dish prepared and offered to Goddess Durga during Navratri, specifically on Ashthami. This flavorful and nutritious khichdi, a comforting rice and lentil dish, is a testament to devotion and culinary tradition. It's believed to bring blessings and prosperity.The recipe features basmati rice and moong dal, cooked with an array of vegetables in fragrant ghee (clarified butter). Cashews and raisins add a touch of sweetness and richness, making it a truly special dish, ideally enjoyed after the Puja ceremony.Learn how to make this auspicious khichdi, a perfect blend of faith and flavor, ideal for celebrating Navratri and sharing with loved ones.
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 Cardamom black
- 1 Cardamom green
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 2 Peppercorns black, crushed
- 1 Chili finely chopped, green
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt to taste
Grains & Legumes
- 1 1/2 cup Basmati Rice soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1 cup Mung Bean roasted and soaked in water for 30 minutes, split yellow lentils
Vegetables
- 1 medium Tomato finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Carrot finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Peas fresh or frozen, green
- 0.5 cup Cauliflower cut into small florets
- 0.5 cup Beans green, trimmed and chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add green chilies, bay leaf, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Sautéing Vegetables
- Add chopped vegetables (carrots, green peas, cauliflower, green beans, and tomatoes). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in turmeric powder and salt.
Adding Grains and Cooking
- Add soaked basmati rice and moong dal. Mix well. Pour in water and sugar. Gently stir, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
Pressure Cooking
- Cover the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 2 whistles. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Finishing Touches
- Open the lid carefully. Add fried cashews and raisins (optional: fry them separately in ghee until golden). Gently stir in chopped coriander leaves.
Serving
- Serve hot, ideally after the Puja ceremony. Enjoy the blessings and flavors of this sacred dish!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Mandira Bhoga Khichdi
- For a richer flavor, roast the moong dal lightly in a dry pan before soaking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Some prefer a slightly sweeter khichdi.
- If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the khichdi in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Add a little extra water and simmer until the rice and dal are cooked through.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes or spinach.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 47mgPotassium: 726mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2157IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 4mg
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Looks incredible! Thanks for the details.
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.
Such a scrumptious dish! Thank you.