Aloo Matar Masala Khichdi Recipe
Delve into the comforting world of Indian cuisine with this delightful Aloo Matar Masala Khichdi recipe, where fluffy rice meets tender potatoes and green peas, all infused with a medley of aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish is not only hearty but also beautifully satisfying. Serve it with a side of refreshing raita and crispy papad for a complete and wholesome experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) – cut into cubes | 3 |
| Onion – thinly sliced | 1 |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Green chillies – finely chopped | 2 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves – chopped | 1 tablespoon (for garnish) |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Start by washing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps the rice cook evenly and become fluffy.
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Prepare the Potatoes: While the rice is soaking, peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Immerse them in a bowl of water to prevent browning and to keep them fresh until you’re ready to cook.
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Sauté the Whole Spices: In a pressure cooker, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the whole spices: bay leaf, black cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Allow them to sauté for a minute or two until they release their enticing aromas.
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Add the Aromatics: Next, add the cumin seeds to the pressure cooker and let them splutter for a few seconds. Following this, add the sliced onions and finely chopped green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and golden, which typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Drain the potatoes and add them to the pressure cooker along with the green peas. Sauté this mixture for about a minute, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated with the aromatic ghee.
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Spice It Up: Sprinkle the coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and red chili powder over the vegetables. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to coat the potatoes and peas for about a minute.
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Combine with Rice and Water: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pressure cooker, followed by approximately 5 cups of water (adjust based on your rice type). Season the mixture with salt to taste. Bring everything to a rolling boil.
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Cook Under Pressure: Once boiling, securely close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on high heat for about 4 to 5 whistles, or until the rice and vegetables are tender and fully cooked.
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Release Pressure and Serve: After cooking, switch off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Once the steam has escaped, carefully open the lid. Use a fork to fluff the khichdi gently, mixing in the coriander leaves for added freshness.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve the Aloo Matar Masala Khichdi hot, garnished with more fresh coriander leaves. This dish pairs beautifully with Cauliflower & Cucumber Raita and crispy Papad for a delightful meal.
Tips for Perfect Khichdi
- Rice Variety: While basmati rice is traditionally used, you can substitute with any rice of your choice, such as sona masoori or jasmine rice, keeping in mind the cooking time may vary.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even lentils for extra nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
Indulge in this hearty Aloo Matar Masala Khichdi recipe, which brings together the warmth of spices and the nourishment of vegetables, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
