Kichdi has many names. Some call it Khichri, while others call it Kissuri or Koshary. This South Asian porridge is a delicacy all over the Indian subcontinent and generally prepared with rice, lentils, and grains. Enriched with carbohydrates, the regional staple is absolute comfort during sickness, good health, and Ramadan. Several variations in preparations depend on the region you eat it in. Muslims and non-Muslims from the subcontinent generally prepare it with rice, lentils, and minced meat (for non-vegetarians). Among Bangladeshi families, a garnishing of ghee (clarified butter) and fried onions is very popular in a bowl of soupy Kichdi.
The perfect comfort food
The versatile dish is rich in nutrients and a perfect post-fasting snack to increase energy levels. Its softness is comfortable on the palate and easily digestible, making it a popular food choice for babies and the sick. Cooking Kichdi is an excellent option for those quarantined at home. It requires very little preparation, and the comfort food can dispel any feelings of negativity or weakness during quarantine. However, Kichdi is also a staple for non-Muslims, especially during illnesses and mourning ceremonies.
Nothing like Kichdi
Author Nikesh Shukla writes in his memoir Brown Baby: “Khichdi has become synonymous with wakes. Because it can be mass-produced, because it’s filling and delicious, and it can be made by anyone who might only have a cursory knowledge of your kitchen, taking charge of feeding people because you’re busy mourning.”
Like Nikesh, Fatima Khanom also enjoys the dish and tries to recreate her mother’s and aunt’s classic recipe. “Kissuri is the essence of Ramadan at home with my family. You could have all the delectable dishes from around the world on the table, but nothing quite fills you up with a feeling of warm satisfaction, as does a plate of Kissuri,” says the mother of two.
The Best Ways to Support the Travel Industry Right Now
The ongoing pandemic has had a serious effect on every inch of our lives, and it’s also put a huge strain on the travel industry. With more and more people staying at home and countries shutting their borders, it’s become almost impossible for people to go on vacation. This is having a serious knock-on effect on hotels, travel agencies, and others who work within this sector. However, you can help them if you have just five minutes to spare — and this could also save your future vacation.
Write a Hotel Review
Hands up if you have ever written a review of a hotel that you’ve stayed in? While we’re sure there are some people out there who have, the large majority of people do not do this. Yet, if you take just five minutes out of your day to write this review and give an honest opinion, you may be able to save that hotel when the market opens back up again. After all, most people choose to stay in the top-rated hotels, and your review could put your favorite hotel into that realm.
Postpone Your Trip — Don’t Cancel
If you were due to go on vacation in the past few weeks or in the near future, then you’ve probably come to the conclusion that you’re not going to be going on it. But what if we told you that canceling could seriously impact the travel industry in a negative way? If you can cope without that money being refunded back into your bank account, then it would be better to postpone your trip. This way, the companies working under your booking not only have your money to keep them going but also know that they will have customers in the future.
The travel industry is struggling, but you could seriously help them out. Will you?