Khicheri (khichadi)

Khichadi is done when you can't cook anything else. actually it is rice with lentils .So to make it a bit more healthy and tasty we add veggies.you can have it with a dash of  ghee or curd or any pickle.This is also a dish that is had on the days when we fast or sometimes when we are sick.This is the last option in my house.
The ingredients are same but the way it is cooked is different in north India and south India.You can use sona masuri also.

Veg. Khicheri

Basmati rice- 1 cup
yellow moong dal- 1/2 cup
onion-1 small
tomato- 1 small
turmeric pwd- 1/2 tsp
green chili- 2 (optional)
ginger - 1"
garlic- 2 cloves
Mixed vegetable- 3/4 cup
coriander leaves- 1tbsp
curry leaves - 1sprig.
mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
oil- 2tsp


Method:
Wash and soak rice and dal for 30 minutes.
Finley chop ginger and garlic.Cube onions and tomatoes.
Heat oil in  pressure cooker, add mustard seeds,curry leaves and onions. Fry for 2 mintes.
Add ginger,garlic, turmeric pwd, tomatoes,green chilies, mixed veggies and salt.
Add 1 1/2 cups of water. check for salt.
Add coriander leaves.Allow 1 whistle and simmer it for 3 minutes.
Remove it from fire.Keep it aside and allow the steam to pass by itself.
Serve with curd or pickle.

Okra with Potatoes

This is a simple healthy dish.When you have little of some vegetables left in the fridge.This recipe would help.
You can use any veggies like cauliflower florets, beans etc. .I used small okras, brinjals and potatoes.If you are using long ones cut into two.

Okra with Potatoes

okra-10
brinjal- 2
potatoes-2
onion - 1 small ,sliced
tomato- 1 small
garlic - 2 cloves,crushed
curry leaves- 1 sprig
corinader leaves- 1tbsp
fennel seeds- 1/4 tsp
mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
green chili- 1 chopped
lemon juice- 1tsp
crushed red chilli flakes- 1/2 tsp
oil- 2tsp

Method:
Cut the okras into lengthwise.Cube the potatoes and boil in slat water for 5- 6 minutes until soft but mushy.
In a non stick pan heat oil,add mustard seeds, fennel seeds,curry leaves.
Add onions and fry until they are golden.
Add crushed chilies and garlic and fry for a minute.
Add tomatoes,okra,brinjal,coriander leaves, green chili,lemon juice.
Sprinkle some salt.
Lower the heat and cover the pan .Cook for 8-10 minutes.
Add potatoes, cover again and cook for 5 minutes until done.
Serve hot with chapatis or rice.