Palak Kichdi Recipe
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1/2 cup |
| Pink Masoor Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 cup (tightly packed, cleaned) |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Broccoli (florets cleaned) | 1/3 cup |
| Tofu (diced) | 50 grams |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Garlic (cut into strips) | 3 cloves |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 2 pinches |
| Garam masala powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato (sliced) | 1/2 |
| Ghee or oil | As required |
Instructions
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Cooking the Base: Begin by adding the rice, masoor dal, broccoli, green peas, turmeric, a pinch of asafoetida, a drizzle of oil, and 2.5 cups of water into a pressure cooker. Seal and cook for about 3-4 whistles, then set aside.
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Preparing Spinach: In a saucepan, boil water and briefly add the cleaned spinach leaves. After one minute, drain the spinach and transfer it into a bowl of cold water to cool. Once cooled, blend into a smooth paste and set aside.
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Sautéing Aromatics: In a wide pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, chopped garlic, another pinch of hing, slit green chillies, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden.
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Combining Ingredients: Stir in the pureed spinach and mix well. Reduce the heat and incorporate the cooked rice and dal mixture into the spinach, combining thoroughly. Gently fold in the diced tofu, adding water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and add garam masala if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Finishing Touches: In a separate tadka pan, heat ghee or oil, add the sliced garlic, and sauté until golden. Pour this tempering over the kichdi.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced tomatoes and serve warm. Pair your Palak Kichdi with Lauki Raita, Avocado Raita, or your favorite raita for a nourishing, comforting weekday meal.
This Palak Kichdi combines the wholesome goodness of spinach, lentils, and rice, making it not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner. Enjoy!
