Around the subcontinent, the culture of having ‘KHICHURI’ is a kind of tradition. Throughout centuries it appeared with different variants. Rice and varieties of lentils (Daal) with necessary spices are the main ingredients of this tasty food. Khichuri is preferred by people in many ways. On any occasion, plain Khichuri (Bhuna Khichuri) and sometimes mixing vegetables with it (Shobji Khichuri) is much more popular. Fried Hilsha Fish (Illish Vaja), Beef Curry (Bhuna Gorur Mangso), Mutton Curry (Vuna Khashir Mangsho), and Chicken Curry (Bhuna Murgir Mangsho) are the best combination with this healthy food. It is also consumed with mashed items (Bhorta) like Mashed Potato (Aloo Bhorta), Mashed Eggplant (Begun Vorta), Mashed Dried Fish (Shutki Bhorta) and whatnot. Omelet with these mashed items can bring more taste.
The season ‘Monsoon’ is considered the best time to eat this food though it is an ‘all-time favorite’ food for some people. Khichuri and Bengalis have an ancient connection in between. When it is raining outside, Khichuri is a must for Bengali. This weather-demanding food makes people happy so easily.
The speciality of this food is people from all walks of our society enjoy this simultaneously. We found a trace of this food in the book of ‘Ain-I-Akbari’ with a royal (shahi) style. Khichuri is a quick solution in times of cooking ingredients shortage in the kitchen. Moreover, this food has been served to mass people during scarcities, and natural calamities. Even the practice of serving Khichuri in public gatherings like funerals, religious events, campaigns and celebrations like picnics.
Khichuri requires a very short time to digest and that is why it is also on the list of baby food. It contains 177 calories in one plate with calcium, iron and vitamins which help reduce toxic elements in our body. As a lot of types are out there, different types carry different healthy components. So as a good source of protein and carbohydrates doctors and gym instructors often suggest this in their diet advice.
From different periods of time, this food is found to play an important role. History changed the map of South Asia several times. There were wars, revolts, mutiny and many more movements for justice and independence. This awesome food was there every time from soldiers, mutinies, and freedom fighters to colonizers. Long story short, Khichuri conquers the heart and tummies of both friends and foes.
