Varan Bhat

A very humble simple boiled rice and lentil dish with a little salt, ghee and a squeeze of the lovely lime, that could very well be called a starter. Nothing fancy to it but the dish is most welcome, I am sure to one and all, any day.

Our traditional meal begins with this dish. It is one of the prime dishes that is included in the offerings given to God. It is also the first item of solid food which is given to a child by his or her maternal uncle, who is addressed as Mama.

Then of course, there are accompaniments served with the dish which makes it more interesting. They could be anything like papad, lime pickle, coconut chutney and some of the vegetable dishes too.

Recipe

1 cup pressure cooked rice

1 cup pressure cooked split pigeon pea lentil

Salt to taste

Lime for squeezing on top

Ghee as per taste

Serve one portion of rice, topped with the soft boiled lentil, ghee as per taste, salt as required and then a squeeze of lime. Mix well and enjoy as is or accompanied with lime pickle, papad, any vegetable, or coconut chutney.

Now this is the authentic way of having this dish. Another way is to again boil the lentil with salt, lime, little turmeric powder, a little asafoetida and a squeeze of lime. Mix this with steamed rice topped with ghee or clarified butter.