Kali Puja and Diwali are incomplete without the fragrance of Bhoger Khichuri wafting through the air. In Bengal, this sacred dish is more than food — it’s a heartfelt offering to Goddess Kali, symbolizing purity, devotion, and togetherness. Made from golden roasted moong dal, gobindobhog rice, fresh vegetables, and pure ghee, this dish brings a divine blend of aroma and comfort to the festive plate.
This traditional Bengali recipe is not spicy or oily — it’s light, sattvik, and filled with soulful flavors that connect every devotee to their roots.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For Khichuri:
rice – 1 cup (or basmati if unavailable)
Moong dal – 1 cup (lightly roasted)
Potatoes – 2 (cubed)
Cauliflower – 1 cup (small florets)
Green peas – ½ cup
Ginger paste – 1 tbsp
Green chilies – 2 (slit)
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste
Sugar – 1 tsp
Ghee – 2 tbsp
Water – 5 cups
For Tempering:
Bay leaf – 1
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Dry red chili – 1
Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
Cloves – 2
Cardamom – 2 pods
Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
1. Roast the Moong Dal
Dry roast the moong dal in a kadhai on low flame until it turns golden and aromatic. This step gives the Khichuri its signature nutty flavor.
2. Rinse and Soak
Wash the roasted dal and rice together in water. Soak for 10–15 minutes
3. Tempering the Spices
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat mustard oil. Add bay leaf, dry red chili, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Let them crackle and release aroma.
4. Add Vegetables & Masala
Add cubed potatoes, cauliflower, and peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add ginger paste, turmeric, cumin powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
5. Combine Dal and Rice
Drain and add soaked dal-rice to the pan. Stir everything gently so the masala coats the grains evenly.
6. Add Water and Cook
Pour in 5 cups of warm water. Bring to a boil, then reduce flame and cover. Cook until the rice and dal are soft and slightly mushy.
7. Finish with Ghee
Once cooked, drizzle with pure ghee and stir gently. The aroma will instantly remind you of festive Bhog.
Serving Suggestion
Serve hot Bhoger Khichuri with Labra (mixed vegetable curry), Beguni (brinjal fritters), and a spoon of sweet chutney on the side. It also tastes divine with a few drops of ghee and crispy papad.