Khichdi with Fresh Spices Recipe
Khichdi, also known as Khichri or Khechudi in various parts of India, is a dish that evokes a wide range of emotions. For many, it’s a comforting, homey meal; for others, it’s a dish they don’t quite understand. However, it remains one of the simplest, healthiest, and most nutritious dishes enjoyed across the country, especially when prepared with fresh, aromatic spices. In every state, Khichdi carries its own unique twist, but the essence remains the same: a delicious, soothing one-pot dish perfect for any day of the week.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: One-Pot Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1-2 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Garnishing | |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A handful |
| Green Chillies | 1-2, sliced |
| Lime Wedges | 2-3 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice and Dal: Begin by thoroughly washing and rinsing the rice and moong dal together. After washing, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the grains cook evenly and the texture of the Khichdi is soft.
-
-
Heat the Ghee: In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee on medium heat. Once the ghee is warm, add cumin seeds. Allow them to sputter slightly.
-
Add the Whole Spices: Immediately, add the bay leaf, dry red chillies, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, grated ginger, and asafoetida to the hot ghee. Sauté for 10 to 15 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
-
Saute Rice and Moong Dal: Add the drained rice and moong dal mixture to the pressure cooker. Stir them well, letting them sauté in the ghee and spices for a minute or two. This step adds a rich flavor and depth to the Khichdi.
-
Cook the Khichdi: Pour 3 cups of water into the cooker. Add the turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix everything well. Close the pressure cooker with the lid, and cook on medium heat until the first whistle is heard. Once the whistle blows, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
-
Allow the Pressure to Release: After 5 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker lid.
-
Final Touches and Garnishing: Once the lid is open, fluff the Khichdi with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl. For extra richness, drizzle a little more ghee on top.
-
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Khichdi with fresh coriander leaves, sliced green chillies, and a few wedges of lime for a tangy touch. Serve hot with a side of Pudina & Dhaniya Raita and Aam Ka Achaar for a comforting and wholesome meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38.5 g |
| Fat | 6.4 g |
| Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12% of the daily value |
| Iron | 8% of the daily value |
Tips for the Perfect Khichdi
- Add More Ghee: If you enjoy a richer taste, don’t hesitate to add more ghee after cooking. Ghee enhances the flavor and provides a delightful aroma.
- Spice Variations: You can adjust the heat of the Khichdi by increasing or decreasing the number of green chillies. Feel free to add a pinch of garam masala for a more complex flavor.
- Texture Variations: Some prefer Khichdi with a porridge-like consistency, while others prefer a more grainy texture. You can adjust the amount of water based on your texture preference.
- Pairing Ideas: Khichdi is typically served with a cooling side dish like raita and pickles, which balance out the warm spices in the dish.
Khichdi with Fresh Spices is a simple yet flavorful meal, especially comforting during rainy days or after a long day. It’s a wholesome and nutritious option that pairs perfectly with traditional Indian accompaniments. Enjoy the goodness of fresh spices and hearty grains with every bite!
