Step 1

In a medium pot, combine 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, ginger, and onion and saute on medium heat until lightly browning. Add red lentils, rice, and water and bring to a low boil. Cover pot and lower to a simmer. Let cook for 25 to 35 minutes until rice and lentils are cooked and it has reached a porridge-like consistency. Uncover the pot, turn off the heat, and let rest for 10 minutes, it will thicken a bit.

Step 2

When rice and lentils are done cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet and add cumin and mustard seeds, heat on medium-low until mustard seeds begin to pop, usually 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let them burn. Add turmeric and black pepper to the oil and stir. Add chopped vegetables of choice to skillet and cook on medium-low heat until just tender and salt to taste. Add fresh herbs and stir into the cooling rice/lentil mixture.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and lightly oil the baking sheet, or line with a silicone mat or parchment paper. When cool enough to handle, form kichari into small balls with your hands and lay them on a sheet evenly spaced. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. They will remain soft and delicious inside. Drizzle with a condiment of choice - Sriracha would work well here.