I didn’t mind learning how to eat kichiri all over again in Kabul. I thought to give it a try to find the difference between my much familiar Indian Khichdi with Afghan kichiri. Whenever we discussed food in Kabul, I was told that rice dishes are considered to be the ‘king’ of all Afghan foods. Now – in such a situation could I miss out eating kichiri?

If you are not able to guess what kichiri is all about – you should know that kichiri is a dish which is made of sticky medium grain rice which is cooked with onions and mung beans. It is said to be the ultimate in comfort foods – it is easy to prepare, easy to eat and very nutritious. Moreover, if you are on a diet spree, I suggest you try out having kichiri once in a day – it is believed to help in weight loss.

Kichiri just like many Afghan dishes can be eaten in many variations and in many ways to enhance its taste.
• You can eat kichiri at home whenever you feel like. If you are eating it at home you can have it with deep fried eggplants, baked potato ( French fries) and mango pickle too.
• You do not need any special side dish to have kichiri, but a plate of mixed vegetables can be good and welcome change.
• To make the kichiri more nutritious seasonal vegetables are often added. In different regions of Afghanistan you get to eat kichiri with a variety of vegetables – potato being common every where.
• Other vegetables which help to enhance the taste of kichiri are green peas and cauliflower.
• There are many Afghan restaurants where you get to eat the unconventional prawn kichiri. Fried prawns are added to the rice dish before serving. If fried prawns are not added as toppings, prawns  are cooked along with the rice and you get the taste of a prawn flavored kichri.
• Lamb or beef kichiri is also served in many Afghan restaurants. Do not confuse it with biriyani which is also a combination of meat and rice. Kichiri is lighter and less spicy than biriyani. Lamb kichri has small diced pieces of lamb mixed and cooked with rice and mung beans. This is perfect for those who cannot do without meat.

When to eat kichiri:
• Kichiri in its simple form – made with vegetables can be eaten on a regular basis.
• The less spicy variety of kichiri with good quantity of vegetables is said to cure many health problems – it is often recommended to those who are suffering from fever.
• You can enjoy meat kichiri when you have to make preparations for sudden informal parties and you don’t have much time in hand. It is easy to prepare but very delicious to eat!

Image courtesy: sailusfood.com; indianhotrecipes.blogspot;netglimse.com