Fada Ni Khichdi ~ A bowl of comfort from Gujarat

Comforting one pot meals like khichdis/pongals are welcome in most of the Indian kitchens. They may go by different names regionally and vary in preparations depending upon the grain / bean combination used. However usually dishes like these are substantial, nutritious and wholesome. Besides they are quick and easy to put together and can be served as lunch / dinner.
I came across one such recipe at Tarla Dalal's space called fada ni khichdi / cracked wheat khichdi. It is a spicy, wholesome and tasty dish prepared using cracked wheat, moong dal and vegetables. And the good thing is it doesn't need any side dish. It can be served on it's own or a simple raita / yogurt. 

Ingredients: (4 servings)
1/2 cup cracked wheat
1/2 cup moong dal
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, peeled and diced
1/4 cup fresh green peas / frozen
1/2 tsp ginger paste
1/2 tsp green chilli paste
1/8 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
1 tbsp. minced cilantro to garnish
For tadka:
1 - 2 tbsp. ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 cloves
1/2 inch cinnamon piece
a pinch of asafoetida

Method:
* Soak the cracked wheat and moong dal in water for about 15 minutes.  Drain after the soaking is done. Rinse again with water and drain.
I always cook cracked wheat in pressure cooker without soaking and it gets cooked in about 2 whistles and so I find this step unnecessary if you are using a cooker. If the cooking is happening in a sauce pan, then soaking quickens the cooking process.
* Heat ghee directly in a small pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon and asafoetida.
* When cumin seeds start to turn a few shades darker, add ginger-chili paste, cracked wheat, moong dal and vegetables. Saute for about 4 - 5 minutes.
* Then add about 2 & 1/2 cups water, turmeric, chili powder and pepper. Cook for about 3 - 4 whistles or until the mixture is cooked to the desired consistency.
* When the valve pressure is gone, remove the lid and add salt. Mix well.
* Garnish with cilantro and serve warm with raita / yogurt.

Notes:
* The recipe also had about 1/2 cup cauliflower florets. Add any other vegetables that you prefer, to make it more substantial and healthier.
* Potatoes at my place cook under one whistle. I therefore let the cracked wheat - moong dal mixture cook for 3 - 4 whistles in the pressure cooker. I cooked potato cubes in the microwave separately. At the end I added frozen peas and cooked them for a minute.

This is going to be a part of BM #35 under the theme of "Regional Cooking - Specific Course". Check what other marathoners are cooking here.

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