Simple Chana Dal and Dill Khichri

I've made such good use over the years of recipes from Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian Cookbook that I was delighted to finally obtain a copy of her older book, World-of-the-East Vegetarian Cooking. Both are filled with astonishingly fast and simple recipes for delicious and exotic dishes of all varieties.

My first opportunity to try something from the book came on a very busy day with little time for cooking, so I settled on a khichri. Also known sometimes by its anglicized spelling kidgeree, khichris are traditional Indian pots of rice and split beans cooked together with spices, herbs or vegetables for quick, simple and nourishing lunches or suppers. And this khili hui khichri with chana dal and fresh dill is about as quick and simple as they get, and also delightfully light, warm and sweet.

Chana dal, the split bean of a very small variety of chickpeas, has a delicately warm flavour that is enhanced with the addition of other light flavours. I've adopted this recipe to increase the presence of the dal and reduce the rice. Chana dal is easily available at any Indian grocer, but if you can't find any, yellow split peas can be substituted.

Simple chana dal and dill khichri

1/2 cup chana dal
1 1/3 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons ghee, or a mixture of butter and olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
6 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 teaspoon sea salt

Rinse the chana dal and soak overnight or for at least six hours in room temperature water. Before cooking, rinse the rice as well and drain the chana dal.

Heat the ghee, or butter and oil, over medium heat in a large saucepan. When hot, pour in the rice and dal and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, making sure that every grain and dal is coated. Stir in the garam masala and dill, and fry for another minute.

Add the vegetable stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to very low, stir in the salt, and cover. Simmer for 25 minutes until the water has been absorbed by the grains and dal.

Serve hot or warm with a clear, spicy soup and a vegetable dish or green salad. Serves 6.