Blog

A Helping of Kedgeree

Posted on

A wonderful British take on a simple Indian dish called Khichdi, which uses 2 ingredients: Lentils and Rice boiled in water over time with a little spice and Ghee (Clarified Butter). Secret to its consistency which resemble a little like porridge (or Risotto) is using Split Moong Beans and ‘Broken Rice’. (Sold as the name suggests: it is the broken rice that is left behind after the Whole Rice is bagged after harvest, can be found in all good asian supermarkets). 
I must say Khichdi is a very good source of energy, but will NEVER get credit for its looks! 

Kedgeree on the other hand was born from this dish, during British rule of India (16th -18th Century); but not as we know it today, fresh fish was used then and the egg mixture was stirred in giving it the runny dish finish as a original Khichdi would be; Smoked Fish and boiled eggs only came into use later on i.e: after the fall of the British Rule in India and the British citizens returned back to Blighty, they brought back this wonderful breakfast dish.

Ingredients:

  • 250g       Smoked Fish (does not have to be Smoked Haddock)         
  • 350g       Cooked Rice 
  • 1 small    Onion
  • 2             Eggs
  • 2 cloves  Garlic
  • 1/4tsp     Cumin Seeds (optional)
  • 1             Lemon ( zest and juice)
  • 1            Red Chilli  (optional)
  • 1tsp        Curry powder ( i have used medium heat)
  • 1fresh     Bayleaf
  • Herbs      Parsley and Garlic Chives (use fresh if possible)
  • Knob of   Butter
  • 2tbsp      Sunflower Oil
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Method:

  • Poach the fish in just simmering water for 5-8 minutes approx. As I am using Craster Kipper (smoked Herring) therefore will poach in a bowl of hot water for 4-5 minutes only. Remove from water and allow to cool slightly.
  •  Peel of skin and flake carefully away from the bone. Set aside. 
  • Hard boil the eggs; plunge in cold water and peel. Set aside.

  • Peel and dice onion and garlic; zest the lemon and if using chilli finely chop (i have included the seeds too).
  • Heat Pan, add oil and butter, once butter has melted add diced onion, garlic, chilli, zest of lemon curry powder and bayleaf; stir until all has mixed in well (add a dash of water if mixture looks a little dry, you do not want the spices to burn) .
  • Turn the heat down to medium and allow to cook a further 3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked rice and stir well for around 5 minutes until all the rice is coated with the onion mixture.

  • Lid back on and allow to cook for a minute or two.
  • Add the flaked fish,chopped parsley and chopped garlic chives (save a little to garnish). Stir well.
  • At this point you may either chop the boiled eggs into quarters or as i have done, chopped roughly and add to the rice mixture with the juice of a lemon. 
  • Season to taste.
  • Lid back on, allowing the fish and chopped eggs to warm through a little. 
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped chives.
  • Best served hot.

Enjoy x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *