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Before you begin thinking this post is about the Ku Klux Klan, Let me clarify by saying that it is not. Far from it in fact. This post deals with an even more serious issue for most Hyderabadis. It's about Khichdi Kheema Khatta. In case you're lost on me, here are a couple of quick definitions.

Khichdi: This is rice cooked with Dals. It's usually yellow in color. But I'm told it may vary. By the way, this is one of the dishes that can trump Biryani sometimes. (for me at least)

Kheema: Minced meat cooked in oil and spices.

Khatta: This is a sour chutney of sorts. It's there to bring tanginess to the mix.

Why bring in this topic? Well since it's Ramadan time, most 'hotals' in Hyderabad are serving this trinity of a delicacy. However, there is a catch, you'll have to be up and about at 4am to catch this sumptuous delight ;)

I've done so twice and I haven't regretted it one bit. These guys are just so good at making this stuff. I think this is available throughout the year, but it's only in Ramadan time when there are droves of people trying to catch up on the early morning Sehri (supper).

Give it a try and let me know if you love/like/hate it.

By the way, the quantity in the picture is too small to feed even the feeblest of Hyderabadis! Wouldn't you agree?

I hope the Ganesh festival passes off smoothly. They're calling in cops from the neighboring towns for extra security. This is also Ramazan time in Hyderabad. We're a food crazy city. We love to eat. And what's become synonymous with this time is Haleem. I am tempted to taste it at all the different hotels, but I can't because I'm on a lousy diet :(

Word of caution though. I've heard a lot of negative stuff about the hygiene standards at these Haleem joints. When I say hygiene, I don't mean Geneva, Switzerland standards. It's bad even by Hyderabadi standards. And when something is that bad, it's worth being careful about. Apparently, the huge deghs (pots in which haleem is cooked) aren't cleaned properly. And when you clean them using water, you can't drain the water. You can only remove it using a sponge. This means that inevitably, some water remains in the degh. That's disgusting!

Anyhow, I don't this post is going to discourage you from eating 'hotel ki haleem' anyway. (How else would you be a true Hyderabadi) All I can say is, 'Enjoy!' And I hope your insides don't feel like they need to take a vacation.