Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi (Sprouted Field Beans Kichdi)
History (background):
Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi is a popular Gujarati dish. It is simple to make and gives the family a scrumptious meal in minutes. The preparation is served throughout the state of Gujarat and is very popular as an add-on to other menus across the country and other parts of Asia. Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi comes to you from the authentic Gujarati kitchen, full of aroma and the goodness of vaal, which is best eaten in this form. Not only does the rice help to eliminate the slightly bitter taste of the beans but it also helps you to make a dish that is full of nutritional value.
Ingredients:
4 cups of good quality rice (basmati preferably)
1 cup of sprouted vaal dal
1/2 tsp each of cumin seeds
Asafetida
Chili and turmeric powder
2 each of cloves
Cardamom
Cinnamon
1 green chili chopped really fine
1/2 cup each of fresh grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves
Cooking medium
Salt to taste
Popular Accompaniments:
You can eat Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi as a separate entrée or as part of a spread. The meal is complete in itself and really does not require any other accompaniment, other than the regular fare of pickles and may be a papad. However, Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi goes well with Gujarati kadhi and even dal. You can eat it while traveling and being a non gravy and non messy dish, it helps to serve the children the rice as they indulge in video games or watch television. Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi is devoured with equal relish at lunch time, tea time or dinner time.
Preparation:
Par-boil the sprouted field or vaal beans.
Main Cooking:
In a heavy bottomed vessel with its own tight cover, heat some of the cooking medium.
Throw in the spices - cumin seeds, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and the green chili.
Allow this to stir fry till the spices lend their flavor and aroma to the cooking medium.
Add the red chili and turmeric powder and asafetida and stir fry for another 2 minutes.
Add the rice and fry well in the spices.
After around 4 minutes, add the cooked sprouted field beans.
Add around 8 cups of water and enough salt to taste.
Mix all the ingredients well and allow the blend to cook till the rice is well done.
Presentation:
Serve Vaal ni Dal no Kichdi hot, garnished with grated coconut and the chopped coriander leaves.
