Cooking class: Plainsboro (28 JAN 2026): Khichuri (Rice lentil porridge)& Egg Fritters (Anda Pokora)

Video Description

This special community episode is filmed at the Plainsboro Public Library as part of their “Cooking on a Budget” program. Shipra Mitra volunteers to teach members of the local community how to prepare nutritious, affordable, and practical meals using accessible ingredients. In this session, two wholesome recipes were demonstrated: 1️⃣ Traditional Bengali Khichuri (Rice & Lentil One-Pot Meal) 2️⃣ Egg Besan Fritters (Protein-Rich Savory Pakora) Together, these dishes create a balanced, budget-friendly meal ideal for families and community gatherings. 🥣 Recipe 1: Bengali Khichuri 📝 Ingredients 1 cup short-grain rice ½ cup masur dal (red lentils) ½ cup moong dal (yellow lentils) ½ inch fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ginger powder) 1 onion, quartered (or 3 shallots, peeled) ½ lb small potatoes 1 small cauliflower, cut into large florets 1 cup green peas 3 dried red chilies 1 tsp whole cumin seeds 1 tbsp roasted cumin powder 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 large tomato, chopped 2 tbsp oil 10 cups water (approximate) Salt to taste Pinch of sugar 2 tbsp ghee (or oil for vegan option) Few sprigs fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped 👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method Step 1: Tempering Heat oil in a large pot. Add whole cumin seeds and dried red chilies; allow them to release aroma. Step 2: Roast the Lentils Add masur dal and moong dal with turmeric and salt. Roast until a nutty fragrance develops. Step 3: Add Rice Add short-grain rice and sauté briefly. Step 4: Simmer Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add ginger and let simmer. Step 5: Add Vegetables After 10 minutes, add potatoes, onion, and cauliflower. Cook about 30 minutes until lentils soften. Step 6: Final Stage Add tomato and continue simmering. Adjust water for medium porridge consistency. Add peas, coriander leaves, and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with ghee and roasted cumin powder. Turn off heat and serve hot. 🍳 Recipe 2: Egg Besan Fritters (Dim Pakora Style) A simple, protein-rich side dish served alongside hot khichuri. 📝 Ingredients 1 egg 2 tbsp gram flour (besan) 1 onion, thinly sliced 2 green chilies, finely chopped Pinch of carom seeds (optional) ¼ tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste Water as needed (to form medium-thick batter) Oil for deep frying 👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method Mix gram flour, turmeric, carom seeds, and salt. Add egg, onion, and green chilies. Add a little water if needed to create a spoonable, medium-thick batter. Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain excess oil. Serve hot alongside khichuri. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - 03:13 Introduction 03:13 - 08:27 Roasting the spices and lentils 08:27 - 12:05 Adding water and vegetables 12:05 - 13:42 Cooking and adjusting the water 13:42 - 16:00 Finishing the Khichuri 16:00 - 16:30 Egg Besan Fritter Ingredients and steps 18:53 - 23:45 Mixing the Batter 23:45 -24:40 Frying the Fritters 🌱 Why These Recipes Work for Budget Cooking Use affordable pantry staples High in plant-based protein and fiber Balanced meal with grains, lentils, vegetables, and protein Easily scalable for community cooking Adaptable for vegetarian or vegan preferences #khichuri #eggpakorarecipe #BesanFritters #budgetcooking #communitycooking #HealthyOnABudget #plainsboronj #plainsboropubliclibrary #Kidzcook #ShipraMitra #indianrecipes #affordablemeals #cookingclass #NJCommunity #HomeCooking