Bhoger khichuri with purti mustard oil – a sacred pujo recipe

Durga Pujo is not just about devotion and celebration, it is also about food that unites families and communities. The highlight of the bhog served to Maa Durga and later shared among devotees is the humble yet divine Bhoger Khichuri. Cooked with rice, roasted moong dal, vegetables, and tempered in the distinct flavour of Purti Mustard Oil, this dish carries the essence of Pujo, pure, sacred, and nostalgic.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

– 1 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
– 1/2 cup moong dal (lightly dry-roasted)
– 3 tbsp Purti Mustard Oil
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 carrot, diced
– Green peas 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– Cumin seeds 1 tbsp
– 2-3 dried red chillies
– 1 bay leaf
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp ginger paste (optional, for aroma)
– 1/2 tsp garam masala powder (optional, for festive flavour)
– Salt to taste
– 3-4 cups water (adjust for consistency)
– Fresh coriander and grated coconut for garnish

Method Step by Step

Step 1: Roast and Prepare Dal
– Heat a pan and dry-roast the moong dal until golden and fragrant.
– Wash well and soak with rice for 15-20 minutes.
Roasting brings a nutty aroma that makes Bhoger Khichuri unique.

Step 2: Temper the Spices
Heat Purti Mustard Oil in a deep pan or kadhai until it smokes lightly.
Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, bay leaf, and dried red chillies.
Let them splutter and release their aroma.

This tempering is the soul of the recipe, it carries the essence of Bengali bhog.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
– Add diced potatoes, carrots, and peas into the tempered oil.
– Sprinkle turmeric and salt.
– Fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are lightly golden.

Step 4: Add Rice and Dal
Drain the soaked rice and dal. Add them to the pan.
Stir gently so that grains are coated in oil and spices.

This step prevents the khichuri from becoming sticky and adds flavour.

Step 5: Simmer the Khichuri
– Pour in 3-4 cups of water, depending on the consistency you prefer.
– Cover and cook on low flame for 25-30 minutes.
– Stir occasionally to avoid burning at the bottom.
– Once rice and dal are soft and creamy, sprinkle a little garam masala (optional).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
– Let the khichuri rest for 5 minutes.
– Garnish with fresh coriander and grated coconut.
– Serve hot as bhog or in a festive thali.

Serving Suggestions
– Traditional Bhoger Khichuri is best enjoyed with:
– Labra – mixed vegetable curry cooked in mustard oil
– Beguni – brinjal fritters in gram flour batter
– Tomato or date chutney – a sweet and tangy side dish
– Payesh – Bengali rice kheer, a perfect sweet ending
Together, this thali captures the true taste of Durga Pujo bhog.

Why Purti Mustard Oil?
Just like traditions, purity matters. The pungent, authentic flavour of Purti Mustard Oil makes Bhoger Khichuri taste exactly like the one served in Pujo pandals – sacred, homely, and unforgettable.

This Pujo, offer Maa Durga the purity she deserves. Cook Bhoger Khichuri with Purti Mustard Oil and share the blessings with your loved ones.