The quintessential Kichdi (or Kichri or Kichuri depending on where you’re from) has countless variations. Essentially a rice and lentil pilaf, it can be cooked with a variety of lentil combinations, the proportion of rice to lentil changes, and more interestingly, the consistency of the final dish. Some like it dry like a pilaf, but for me I love it the traditional Bengali way… all mushy, semi-liquid and with more lentil than rice.

Wholesome and nutritious, I fed my toddler daughter far too many bowlfuls often with seasonal vegetables mashed in and stirred through with generous dollops of ghee.

One of the most popular combinations that go with a runny Kichdi is a spicy tomato-based Egg Curry. Who said comfort food has to be naughty? This super easy recipe will have you satiated, and I highly recommend an afternoon siesta right after.

The tales of Emperor Akbar and his wittiest minister Birbal are an integral part of Indian folklore. Their stories often end with a moral teaching, and have been passed down to generations of fascinated young children.birbal-ki-kichdi-story-akbar-birbal-folktales-indian-tresind-dubai-indian-fine-dining-review-by-the-tezzy-files-dubai-food-blogger-best-blog-ahlan-masala-awards-2016

Interestingly, Birbal was the only Hindu in Emperor Akbar’s court. Born Mahesh Das, stories of his timely wit and moral standing won him over as Akbar’s dearest adviser, much to the chagrin of his counterparts.

One of the most popular Akbar Birbal stories is entitled ‘Birbal Ki Kichdi‘ (Birbal’s Kichdi). What is Kichdi you ask? An Indian risotto would be the best way to describe it to a global audience. However, the Indian counterpart is not as starchy as the one eaten by Italians. Indian kichdi is made up of near-equal proportions of rice and lentils, cooked together along with a mix of spices, and enriched with ghee (Indian clarified butter). Here is how the story goes: