Ramadan kanji also known as nombu kanji (nombu means fasting in Tamil) is a porridge made mainly with rice and lentil, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It is prepared and distributed to people who are in need before the sunset prayer. It is a way of offering help to the needy and ensuring nourishment to those who might not have enough to fill their stomach. This kanji is light on the stomach and easily digested. Nutritionally, it is a rich source of calorie and protein as it contains rice and lentil.
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS REQUIRED
- Basmati rice 1 cup
- Green gram dal (Moong dal) 1/2 cup
- Mutton (minced) 150 gm
- Onion 1 large or 2 medium-sized
- Tomato 2 medium-sized
- Green chillies 3
- Coriander leaves few
- Mint leaves few
- Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
- Chilli powder 2 tsp
- Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala 1 tsp
- Zeera (cumin) powder 1/2 tsp
- Cloves 3
- Cardamom 3
- Cinnamon 1 to 2 sticks
- Salt to taste
- Oil 2 to 3 tbsp
- Water as required
PRE-PREPARATION
* Soak basmati rice (an hour before).
* Soak green gram dal.
Note : Both separately.
METHOD OF PREPARATION
- In a pressure cooker, add 2-3 tbsp of oil, add the chopped onions and sauté till golden brown.
- To the onions, add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, mutton, zeera powder and roast for a few minutes. Add ginger garlic paste.
- Now add chopped tomatoes, green chillies, coriander and mint leaves, chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt to taste and sauté till the spices get well cooked.
- To the mixture, add water till the mixture dips well and pressure cook it for 4 whistles.
- Further, grind the basmati rice coarsely (pulse button twice) and keep it aside. * The green gram need not be ground.
- After pressure cooking, add some more water and bring it to boil. When the water boils, add the ground basmati rice and wait until it is partially cooked. At this point add the green gram dal and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
- Serve it hot in a bowl and enjoy.
Servings : 6
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ABOUT AUTHOR
The author, Maria Mehveen is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management and Dietetics. She developed her interest in cooking 4 years back. She goes through recipes that are moreish, rich and tries out a few. Some of her best recipes include chocolate melt brownies, doughnuts, Ramadan kanji and mutton curry. Apart from cooking, her hobbies include sketching, music, travel, watching cookery shows and movies.
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