Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting one-pot dish combining fragrant basmati rice and yellow lentils with gentle warm spices, perfect for a wholesome meal. This indian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 60 minutes pairs basmati rice, yellow moong dal (lentils), ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice and 1/2 cup yellow moong dal separately under cold water until water runs clear; soak both for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a deep pot over medium heat; add 1 bay leaf, 3 green cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ginger paste and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 30 seconds then add the drained rice and lentils.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
  5. Step 5: Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the rice and lentils are tender and water is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and fold in 1/4 cup fried onions and 2 tbsp roasted cashew nuts before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bengali Spiced Lentil and Rice Khichuri?

Indian rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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