Kichro

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Kichro, a traditional South Asian delicacy that brings together wheat grains, a medley of lentils, and tender chunks of beef or lamb. Slow-cooked to perfection over several hours, this hearty dish boasts a creamy, porridge-like texture infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The delicate layering of caramelized onions, garlic, and ginger imparts a deep, savory aroma, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon add brightness to every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this wholesome recipe is not just a meal but a nourishing experience steeped in cultural heritage. Serve warm with lemon wedges for a zesty finish, and savor the timeless essence of this soul-satisfying dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Whole wheat grains
• 0.5 cup Chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 0.5 cup Moong dal (split green gram)
• 0.5 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)
• 500 grams Beef or lamb, boneless
• 2 medium Onion, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 4 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 8 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 whole Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the whole wheat grains and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2

Rinse the chana dal, moong dal, and masoor dal thoroughly. Soak them together for at least 1 hour.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

Step 4

Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown.

Step 5

Add garlic paste and ginger paste, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 6

Add the beef or lamb pieces to the pot and brown them evenly for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the meat with the spices.

Step 8

Drain and add the soaked wheat grains and dals to the pot, stirring well to combine with the meat and spices.

Step 9

Pour in about 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 3-4 hours.

Step 10

Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to maintain a thick porridge-like consistency.

Step 11

Once the meat and grains are tender and a creamy texture is achieved, add garam masala and stir well.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 13

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.

Step 14

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3624.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3488.9

Total Fat 171.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 400mg	0%
Sodium 6174.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 81.0g	0%
Total Sugars 36.2g
Protein 186.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 750.6mg	0%
Iron 43.8mg	0%
Potassium 6277.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.3%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 37.3%