Mitha Khechudi or Sweet Khichdi
Khichdi or famously known as Khechudi in Odisha is very regular in my kitchen. The version for the winters is Masala (spiced) loaded winter vegetables with variations of lentils and rice. The summer always has a plain version with cumin tampering along with the variety of lentils and rice. But irrespective of the season, I make Khichdi once or even twice a week. But during celebrations or festivities, I cook the sweeter version the very Odia way, Mitha Khechudi or Sweet Khichdi with loads of ghee and grated coconut.
Mitha Khechudi
Last weekend was Makar Sankranti, my house was loaded with all the Chikkis and Jaggery based Ladoos. Makar Sankranti or Pongal is celebrated nationwide to welcome longer days and marks the end of winter in India. In Odisha, special Bhog is offered, which is made out of Raw Rice, cottage cheese and Milk with all fruits and is offered to the Sun God. I was so much in a hurry to perform Puja and there was a hungry toddler yelling to get his share that I could not capture this surreal Bhog. After the breakfast, I was in lost in my thoughts on what to cook for my lunch. I asked my mom and mom in law for suggestions, which led me to cook some Mitha Khechudi.
Mitha Khechudi