Andhra Khichdi - Pulagam - Lentil-Rice Medley

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups old basmati rice (any variety of rice can be used like sunnalu or sona masuri)
1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (pesara pappu)
1 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
10-12 fresh curry leaves
1/4 tsp whole black pepper (optional)
salt to taste
3 ½ cups of water
10-12 cashewnuts lightly fried in ghee till golden brown

1 Wash the rice and dal and soak them together in water for 15-20 mts.

2 Meanwhile in a heavy bottomed vessel or pot, heat ghee. Add the cumin seeds, let them splutter and turn slightly brown. Add the curry leaves and black pepper corns and fry for a few seconds.

3 Add the drained rice and dal and combine with spices and fry for a few seconds.

4 Add water and salt and pressure cook till the rice and dal are cooked and soft.

5 Garnish with fried cashwenuts and serve with tomato chutney