Khichdi Recipe 2 Ways

Time and servings

Prep time	10 min
Cook time	15 min
Total time	25 min
Serves	3 servings

Nutrition

Per servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	368 kcal
Carbohydrates	52 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	13 g
Saturated fat	7 g
Cholesterol	30 mg
Sodium	822 mg
Potassium	265 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	3 g
Vitamin A	676 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	63 mg
Iron	3 mg

​

About Moong Dal Khichdi

It is basically an easy and simple comfort food recipe made with basic ingredients like rice, moong dal, and basic spices. Moong Dal Khichdi is a popular basic food prepared and served across India for myriad reasons for lunch and dinner. As a matter of fact, it is prepared for various reasons including for a light meal, during indigestion, or even during constipation. Due to the nature of the ingredients, it is also treated as a complete meal for carbs from rice and protein from lentils. There are several ways to prepare this basic rice recipe, but the typical combination is to make it with rice and lentil in equal proportions. The basic variations are mainly derived from the type of lentils used in it. The most common lentil used for the Dal Khichdi recipe is moong dal or also known as Split & skinned green gram, yellow lentils. Toor dal or Channa dal are the other most commonly used dal but they may not yield the same taste and texture.

​

Why does this Recipe work?

Well, the khichdi does not require any formal introduction and it is widely appreciated for its health benefits. The other major reasons are –

1. Simplicity – The recipe is made with just 2 basic ingredients and that should be easily available at any kitchen pantry. Moreover, the cooking steps are uncomplicated and fairly straightforward to prepare.
2. Nutrition – Due to the combination of rice and urad dal, the moong dal khichdi offers the perfect balance of carbs and proteins in one meal. Additionally, it also offers essential nutrients, making it a perfect meal for digestion and constipation problems.
3. Comfort Food – The recipe offers a mild flavor and a creamy texture and thus it is a go-to food, especially during any illness. Moreover, due to the pressure cooking, the rice and dal is fully cooked and hence easily digestible.
4. Quick & Easy – End-to-end cooking hardly takes 10-15 mins with basic ingredients. Thus a preferred and convenient meal for busy or working couples for the entire family.
5. Variations – The basic recipe is to make with just rice and dal. However, it can be experimented with the spices added and also the types of vegetables added to make it more flavored and tasty.

​

Ingredients

​

for pressure cooking:

• ½ cup rice
• ½ cup moong dal
• 1 tsp ghee
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• 3¼ cup water

​

other ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• pinch hing
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tomato (finely chopped)
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp coriander (finely chopped)

​

Instructions

1. firstly, in a large bowl rinse and soak ½ cup rice, ½ cup moong dal for 10 minutes.
2. in a cooker heat 1 tsp ghee and add soaked dal and rice.
3. saute for 2 minutes, or until the dal turns aromatic.
4. now add ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp salt and 3¼ cup water. mix well.
5. cover and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
6. in a large kadai heat 2 tbsp ghee. add 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf and pinch hing.
7. saute on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.
8. now add 1 onion, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and saute well.
9. further, add 1 tomato and saute until the tomato turns soft and mushy.
10. keep the flame on low add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp garam masala and ½ tsp salt.
11. saute for 2 minutes or until the spices turn aromatic.
12. now add cooked rice and dal.
13. also, add 1 cup water and mix well adjusting consistency as required.
14. cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavours are absorbed well.
15. finally, add 2 tbsp coriander and enjoy dal khichdi with pickle and curd.

​

Step-by-step

​

Video

​

Tips

The recipe is perhaps one of the easy and simple rice-based recipes. It does not have any complicated ingredients and steps, yet some important tips –

1. Rice to Dal Ratio – The universal ratio between dal and rice for any khichdi is 1:1. However, you may alter it for various reasons. You may increase the rice ratio as per your preference. But I do not recommend increasing the lentil ratio above 1.
2. Cleaning – The rice and dal has to be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before it is cooked. Washing with water not only helps to remove impurities but also flushes out excess amounts of starch from rice and dal.
3. Vegetables – The basic dal khichdi is made with just 2 main ingredients, i.e. dal and rice. However, it can be further extended by adding the choice of vegetables. You may add carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes for a vegetable khichdi.
4. Seasonings – Once the dal and rice are pressure cooked, it is topped with onion and tomato seasonings. This helps to add more flavor and taste to the final product.
5. Serve Hot – Khichdi is best served while it is still hot. After it is rested it may turn like cake and may not be pleasant to serve. It is better to reheat it by adding water and serve immediately.

​

Notes

• Firstly, soaking the rice and dal helps to cook faster.
• Also, do not add too much water while pressure cooking, as the dal and rice may turn mushy.
• Additionally, adjust the consistency of khichdi just before serving as it thickens once cooled.
• Finally, the dal khichdi recipe tastes great when prepared with ghee.