Murgir Khichuri(Rice ,lentils and chicken cassarole)

Khichudi a delicious one pot meal , is one of the favorite meals of the people from the state of West Bengal popularly known as Bongs all over the world.It is a casserole which consists of nutritive and filling food items such as rice lentils ,vegetables ,meat etc. Khichudi is also known as khichdi is a popular dish in the other states of India as well is a popular vegetarian version.During the monsoons and winter seasons we would be craving for its aromatic, lip smacking ,peppery flavor .

Ingredients

1. Rice 1 cup
2. Yellow lentils(Moong dal 1/2 cup)
3. Chicken boneless (400 gms)
4. Onion(1 cup chopped)
5. Ginger garlic paste(2 tbsp)
6. Green chillies(3 to 4) chopped
7. Tomatoes( 2 chopped)
8. Cumin powder(1 tbsp)
9. Red chilly powder
10. Turmeric(1/2 tsp)
11. Bay leaves
12. All spice powder( 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 to 4 cloves ,2 to 3 cardamom) powdered around 2 tsp
13. Clarified butter(ghee) 2 to 3 tbsp
14. Oil 1/4th cup
15. Coriander leaves(for garnish)

Preparation

1. Marinate the chicken pieces with a pinch of turmeric ,salt and lemon juice for around an hour.
2. Dry roast the lentils in a pan over heat by continuous stirring till it leaves a beautiful aroma.
3. Wash rice and soak in water for at least half an hour.
4. In a deep pan add oil for heating.
5. Fry bay leaves and red chilies.
6. Add chopped onions and fry till golden brown
7. Add ginger garlic paste  followed by the spices.
8. Add chopped tomatoes and saute till the water all evaporates and oil begin to float.
9. Add salt to taste and the chicken pieces and fry in slow heat
10. Next  add the lentils and rice and add  5 to 6 cups of water.Stir and let it cook on slow flame till the lentils and rice get completely cooked.
11. Check the salt at this stage.
12. It will be mushy but the rice should not be overcooked or completely dissolved.
13. Take off from the heat.
14. In a small pan add clarified butter and add all spice powder ,chopped green chilies and 2 whole red chillies.
15. When it starts sizzling add this hot oil on the khichuri  and stir.Serve hot garnished with coriander with any fries or pickles