Bhoger Khichuri is the classic, comforting one-pot rice and lentil dish served as an offering during Durga Puja.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Gobindobhog rice (or Basmati rice)
• 1/2 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower florets, peas)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 dried red chillies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp hing (asafoetida)
• 1.5 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 4 green cardamoms, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 cloves
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste and hot water (about 4 to 5 cups)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Dal: Dry roast the moong dal in a pan on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Rinse it well with water and set aside. Wash the rice and drain it.
2. Temper the Spices: Heat ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker. Add the bay leaf, dried red chillies, whole cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Lower the heat and add the hing, grated ginger, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften. Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and sugar. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the chopped vegetables and fry for another 3 minutes.
4. Add Rice and Dal: Add the washed rice and roasted moong dal to the pot. Mix gently with the spices for 2 minutes.
5. Cook: Pour in 4.5 cups of hot water and add salt to taste. Bring it to a boil, then cover with a lid and cook on low heat until the rice, dal, and vegetables are completely soft and blended. Stir occasionally so it does not stick to the bottom.
6. Finish: Turn off the heat. Drizzle a little extra ghee on top and mix gently. Serve hot.