Bhuna Khichuri (Bengali Rice and Lentils)

Step 1

Rinse rice, lentils, and chickpeas separately in cold water.

Step 2

Dry rice in a colander or on a flat surface.

Step 3

Leave lentils and chickpeas to soak in water for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Drain lentils and chickpeas, then roast them briefly until they emit an aroma; set aside to cool.

Step 5

Heat water in a kettle to use later. Keep warm but not boiling.

Step 6

Semi-crush cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 7

Heat 2 tbsp butter in a heavy-based pan over medium heat. Add bay leaf and semi-crushed spices in; once they start to sputter, add sliced ginger and cumin. Stir for 1–2 minutes until ginger has a nutty aroma.

Step 8

Add green chili and garden peas, and stir once or twice.

Step 9

Add rice to the mixture and stir gently for 2–3 minutes, making sure the oil coats it thoroughly.

Step 10

Add lentils, chickpeas and salt; stir again for 1–2 more minutes

Step 11

Add hot water to the pan. The level of water should be about 1 inch above the mixture. Lower the heat slightly, cover, and simmer until done. Check regularly to make sure rice does not burn at the bottom. Rice and lentils are done when there is no hard part in rice, it is medium firm, each one is easily separable, but not very soft or sticky. This should take around 10 minutes.

Step 12

While the rice is simmering, heat the remaining butter in a separate frying pan. Fry the onion on a medium heat until it starts to brown.

Step 13

When rice mixture is done, top with onion and accompanying oil. Garnish with coriander.

Step 14

Turn down the heat to the lowest and cover until served which should not take long.