Fada Ni Khichdi Recipe: A Wholesome Gujarati Delight
Description:
Fada Ni Khichdi is a comforting, nutritious one-pot meal perfect for a weekday dinner. This dish, made with broken wheat (also known as Dalia or Godumai Rava), offers a healthy alternative to the traditional rice-based khichdi. It is not only a great option for diabetics but also a fantastic choice for weight watchers. The gentle blend of spices, ghee, and fresh vegetables elevates the flavor, making it a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Cuisine: Gujarati Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Fada Ni Khichdi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broken Wheat (Dalia/Godumai Rava) | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Carrot (Gajjar), finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Beans (French Beans), finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon, coarsely crushed |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Ginger, grated | 1/2 inch |
| Green Chillies, slit | 2 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions for Making Fada Ni Khichdi
-
Soak the Moong Dal: Begin by soaking the moong dal in warm water for about 15 minutes. This helps soften the dal and shortens the cooking time.
-
Tempering the Spices:
- In a small pressure cooker, heat half of the ghee over medium heat.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, curry leaves, ginger, green chillies, cumin seeds, and dry red chilli.
- Stir for a few seconds until you hear the spices begin to sizzle and release their aroma.
- Add the asafoetida and stir again. The tempering should be aromatic and fragrant.
-
Roasting the Broken Wheat:
- Next, add the broken wheat (lapsi) into the cooker.
- Fry it in the ghee for about 2 minutes, or until it gives off a nice, toasty aroma. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the khichdi.
-
Adding the Dal and Vegetables:
- Add the soaked and drained moong dal to the cooker.
- Fry the dal along with the broken wheat for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped carrot and green beans, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and mingle with the spices.
-
Seasoning:
- Add salt to taste, ensuring the mixture is well-seasoned.
- Now, sprinkle in the turmeric powder and garam masala powder, stirring the mixture to combine everything evenly.
-
Cooking the Khichdi:
- Add 2-3 cups of water for a slightly runny khichdi or 2 cups of water for a more grainy texture.
- Stir well and close the pressure cooker with the lid.
- Cook on high heat for about 2-3 whistles, then reduce the heat and let the pressure cooker cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the pressure has released, open the lid.
- Stir the khichdi gently. Add coarsely crushed black pepper and adjust the salt and spices according to your taste.
- Mix everything well to incorporate the flavors.
-
Serving:
- Serve this wholesome Fada Ni Khichdi hot, accompanied by Coriander Tadka Raita, Gujarati Gor Keri (Sweet and Spicy Raw Mango Pickle), and some papad on the side for an authentic Gujarati meal experience.
Tips for a Perfect Fada Ni Khichdi:
- For a richer taste, you can use more ghee during the tempering process.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, beans, or potatoes to suit your preference.
- You can also adjust the water quantity based on how you like the consistency of your khichdi—less water for a thicker khichdi and more water for a runnier version.
- Soaking the dal is an important step to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly, especially if you’re using split yellow moong dal.
This Fada Ni Khichdi recipe is an ideal meal for those looking to enjoy something both healthy and filling. The blend of broken wheat, legumes, and aromatic spices makes it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, especially for those following a diabetic-friendly or weight-conscious diet. Enjoy the flavors of Gujarati cuisine with this easy-to-make, wholesome khichdi!
