Bhaidku (Spicy Porridge)
Bhaidku is the Gujarati word for spicy porridge. It can be made with a variety of grains. Bajri bhaidku is a popular dish and so the ready-made flour is often available. Various combinations may be prepared. This one is made using mixed grains.
Ingredients
For the Flour
- 2 cups rice
- ½ cup pearl millet (bajra)
- ½ cup sorghum (jowar)
- ½ cup split mung beans (mung dal)
- ½ cup moth beans (muth/mutki /moth)
For the Bhaidku
- 1 cup water
- A few carom (ajwain) seeds
- Soy or peanut curd buttermilk (quantity according to preference)
- Unrefined salt to taste
- Ginger-chilli paste (optional)
- ⅛ tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 5-6 curry leaves
- Lemon juice to taste
- Black pepper powder to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for the garnish
Method
For the Flour
In a dry grinder/mill, grind all the above ingredients into a coarse flour. This flour can be stored for about a month.
For the Bhaidku
Take 3 tablespoons of flour in a pan and dry roast for a few minutes. Add 1 cup water and a few carom seeds to taste. Cook for about 7 minutes. Once cooked, add groundnut or soy buttermilk to obtain the consistency of a porridge. Mix well. Add salt, ginger-chilli paste (if desired), asafoetida, curry leaves, lemon juice and black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes more. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Makes a good breakfast.
Variation
Add your choice flavourings – coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, vegetables like carrots, onion, potatoes, peas, etc.
Serves 1
