Bhuna Khichuri (Bangladeshi Fried Rice and Lentil Porridge)
Local name: ভুনা খিচুড়ি
In short: Rice and roasted split mung beans fried with onion, ginger and ghee, then simmered into a thick, fragrant porridge, a comfort dish for rainy days. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 425 kcal
Bhuna khichuri is the dish Bangladeshis cook when the rain sets in. Rice and split mung beans (moong dal) are first fried in ghee with onion, ginger and whole spices, which is what bhuna means, then simmered until the pot is thick and fragrant. It is served with fried eggplant (begun bhaja), crisp papad and a sharp pickle. The pot is forgiving, and leftovers thicken into something close to porridge.
Instructions
- Dry-roast the mung beans in a heavy pot over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until golden and nutty. Tip them into a bowl, rinse them with the rice under cold water and drain well.
- Heat the ghee in the same pot over medium heat. Fry the bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves for 30 seconds until they crackle, then add the onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin and chili powder with a splash of water. Fry for 2 minutes until the oil separates from the spices.
- Add the drained rice and beans and stir for 2 minutes so every grain is coated. Pour in the hot water, then add the salt, sugar and green chilies.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the rice and beans are completely soft and the mixture is thick. Add a splash more hot water if it gets too dry.
- Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Scatter the cilantro over the top and serve hot.
Tips
- Khichuri thickens as it stands, so loosen it with a little hot water when you reheat it.
- For a traditional meal, serve it with fried eggplant slices, crisp papad and a sharp pickle. A squeeze of lime lifts everything.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between bhuna khichuri and plain khichuri?
Bhuna khichuri fries the rice and dal in ghee with onions and spices first, making it drier, darker and more aromatic. Plain khichuri is simply boiled, soft and mild.
Can I make bhuna khichuri vegan?
Yes. Replace the ghee with neutral oil or mustard oil. The flavor will differ slightly but is still very good.
Which dal is best for khichuri?
Split yellow mung beans are standard and cook quickly. Red lentils work too, but they melt faster and give a softer, smoother texture.
How long does it take to make Bhuna Khichuri (Bangladeshi Fried Rice and Lentil Porridge)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bhuna Khichuri (Bangladeshi Fried Rice and Lentil Porridge)?
About 425 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 66 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 425 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
