Original kedgeree

Every now and then my husband gets the urge to have a session in the kitchen. Apart from the inevitable mess, I love it when he's inspired to try out something different - not only does it give me the night off, but it's usually something he's been thinking about for a while and researched within an inch of it's life. Big contrast to my sudden inspiration, throwing things together to see what happens approach!

He's been mainly plant based for over a year and a half now which is quite a surprise to both of us! Having gone for it, he's quite happy not to go back eating to meat and dairy for now as it stops him from pigging out on pastries and burgers. There are a few things he misses though (thankfully beer is plant based). Oddly, one is kedgeree, something we rarely ate but obviously on his list of 'foods I love'. So he decided to get researching to make a completely plant based version.
It didn't take him long to discover the original version of kedgeree - kichiri, a simple Indian comfort food, traditionally given to those under the weather. Legend has it that kedgeree, which includes milk, fish and egg, was devised by Colonial Brits in India, then brought back to England, although according to Wikipedia, there is some contention that it appeared in Scotland in the 1700's; the India connection remains intact though. When exactly a fish, rice and egg combo became a breakfast dish, I'm not so sure.
Kichiri is the perfectly balanced plant based dish. A mixture of rice, lentils and some super spices, it's tasty, satisfying and remarkably moreish despite the simplicity. The lentils give it a little bit of texture and it's aromatic rather than spiciness, so gentler on the palate.
Rice and lentils create the perfect plant based protein - both these lovelies contain the full range of essential amino acids. Even though it's one of the top arguments detractors will come up with when you decide to go plant based, there's no fear about missing out on protein as long as you eat a wide range of products. And of course wholegrain is best as more nutrients are retained. And lentils give you much more than just protein - they also have a wonderful dollop of fibre, manganese, iron and B vitamins amongst others.
A cucumber raita completes this dish perfectly - using dairy free yoghurt of course! You could get flashy and add make a little spicy tempering to go on the top - toasted cumin and mustard seeds with a couple of dried red chillis and some fresh curry leaves to finish. Lovely.
So why not give this a go and see what you think - is definitely different to kedgeree but still comfortably familiar!
Kichiri (serves 4)

160g green lentils
270g wholegrain basmati rice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 onion, diced
1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
pinch of salt
1 litre water
couple of handfuls fresh coriander
Heat a glug of olive oil in a large pan and sauté the cumin and black mustard seeds until they start to pop. Add the onion and ginger and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring so it doesn't burn. Add the carrot and red pepper and cook for another minute or so, then add the garlic, rice and lentils as well as the ground coriander, turmeric and salt and cook on a low heat stirring all the time. After a minute or so, carefully pour in the water, bring to the boil and pop on the lid. Turn the heat down low and cook for 15-20 minutes until the water has been absorbed and the lentils are tender. Turn off the heat, and leave to steam for a couple of minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top to serve. Enjoy!