
Recipe for khichri with brown rice
Simple and delicious Indian vegetarian dish consisting of rice and lentils.
We have the recipe from the book: “River Cottage Veg Everyday“, where author Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall says the following about the recipe:
“The simple Indian dish of rice and lentils exists in countless versions – some are mild, while others are heavily spiced like this one. Typically, white rice is used, but here I have chosen brown. You can eat the dish as it is or serve it with vegetables – I like a simple accompaniment of leafy greens. It also tastes really good with curry-spiced potato rosti or my dhal.”

Khichri with brown rice
Ingredients
- 150 gram Rice Brown basmati rice
- 28 gram Rapeseed Oil
- 2 pcs. Bay Leaf
- 6 pcs. Cardamom Capsule Green and split
- 1 pcs. Cardamom Capsule Black and split (optional)
- 1 pcs. Chili Dried chili, e.g. habanero (hot) or guajillo (medium) or a pinch of dried chili flakes
- 2 gram Cumin Seeds
- 2 gram Mustard Seeds Black
- 1 pcs. Onion Large and chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Chopped
- 150 gram Lentils Red
- 3 gram Turmeric
- Sea Salt
- 1 pcs. Chili 1 medium-hot to hot red or green chili, deseeded, sliced (optional)
- 1 pcs. Scallion - Spring Onions Sliced or finely chopped red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Place the rice in a bowl, pour boiling water over it until covered, and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pot or a small soup pot over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add Bay leaves, cardamom pods (including the black one if you are using it), chili, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.
- Sauté for about 1 minute until the bay leaves are slightly colored and the mustard seeds begin to pop.
- Add onion and garlic, reduce the heat slightly and sauté for another 7 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Drain the rice and add it to the pot with the lentils, turmeric, and 1 tsp. salt.
- Add 900 ml cold water and stir.
- Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat.
- Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes - do not stir for the first 20 minutes, but thereafter stir a few times to prevent burning.
- When the khichri is done, it should have the consistency of risotto, the rice should be just tender, and the lentils soft and cooked through.
- If the rice is not completely tender after 30 minutes, add a little boiling water and let it simmer a bit longer.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir, and serve.
- I like to sprinkle a little fresh chili and raw onion.
- You can also serve pickled vegetables or a chutney on the side.