Khichdi Recipe
Khichdi Recipe: As a housewife and food critic, I have a deep-rooted love for traditional Indian cuisine and the comfort that comes with it. One dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face is Khichdi, a staple food in many Indian households. The simple yet delectable aroma of ghee and spices wafting from the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The texture of the cooked rice and lentils is soft and comforting, and the perfect balance of spices creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm, comforting meal, Khichdi is the answer.
What is Khichdi?
Khichdi, also known as Huggi or Kitchari, is a dish made with a mixture of rice and lentils, seasoned with spices and often served with a dollop of ghee. It is a staple food in many Indian households, particularly in northern and western India, and is considered to be a comfort food. The dish is made by cooking rice and lentils together with spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, until they are soft and tender. The end result is a delicious, warm and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the day.
Variations of Khichdi Recipe
There are many variations of Khichdi, each with its own unique twist. Here are a few popular variations:
- Masoor Dal Khichdi: This version of Khichdi is made with red lentils and is a popular dish in northern India. It has a creamy texture and is seasoned with cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Vegetable Khichdi: This version of Khichdi is made with a mix of vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, and peas, along with rice and lentils. It is a wholesome and nutritious dish that is perfect for a healthy, filling meal.
- Moong Dal Khichdi: Made with split yellow moong beans, this version of Khichdi has a nutty flavor and is a popular dish in western India. It is often served with a dollop of ghee and a side of raita.
- Pulao-style Khichdi: This variation of Khichdi is made with basmati rice and is seasoned with whole spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. It is a popular dish in northern India and is often served with a side of raita and a sprinkle of fried onions.
Nutrition in Khichdi Recipe
Khichdi is a nutritious and wholesome dish that is packed with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The combination of rice and lentils provides a good balance of essential nutrients, making it a complete meal in itself. Additionally, the spices used in the dish are known to have numerous health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and boosting immunity. With its low-fat content and high fiber content, Khichdi is a great option for those looking for a healthy and filling meal.
Step by Step Khichdi Recipe
Khichdi Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup basmati rice
- ½ cup green gram lentil / moong dal
- 3¼ cup water
For Tempering / Tadka
- 1 Onions
- 2 green chillies
- ½ inch ginger
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- ¼ tsp Asafoetida / hing
- 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ cup coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients to avoid last minute rush.
- Wash and finely chop onion, ginger, fresh coriander leaves and green chillies.
- Rinse thoroughly rice and moong dal till water comes clean.
Cooking
- Rinse and soak ½ cup rice, ½ cup moong dal for 10 minutes in a large Bowl.
- Add soaked dal and rice in a Pressure Cooker. Add salt and turmeric powder and close the Cooker.
- Let it cook on medium flame until the water from the rice gets absorbed by the dal (about 5 to 6 whistles).
- Once done switch off the gas. Keep aside.
- Heat a pan over medium flame and add ghee in it. Then, add jeera and asafoetida and let jeera crackles and raw aroma of hing goes away.
- Now, add chopped onions, ginger and green chillies in it and fry till they turn dark brown and crispy.
- Then, add coriander powder and red chilli powder in the tempering and let it cook for 30 seconds.
- Now, add this tempering to the cooked rice dal mixture and mix very well.
- Adjust the consistency as per your choice by adding water and let it boil for a minute or two.
- Garnish it with chopped fresh coriander leaves and 1 tbsp of ghee.
- Voila! Your simple Khichdi is ready to serve. Enjoy hot Khichdi with pickle, raita and roasted papad. 😊
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Choice of Rice: You can choose any variety of rice to make Khichdi as they will ultimately mix with dal. Even you can make Khichdi with brown rice as well.
- Clarified Butter: If you don’t have clarified butter or don’t like clarified butter, then can also make tempering in any neutral tasting oil. However, I recommend to use ghee as it gives Khichdi taste and aroma.
- Spices: You can always adjust spices and salt as per your taste preference.
- What else can add in this Recipe? I sometimes add green peas as well, they goes very well.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Khichdi Recipe
What is Khichdi recipe?
Khichdi is a traditional dish of India, made with rice and lentils. It is a comfort food and is considered a wholesome meal, commonly eaten in households across India. The dish is known for its soft texture, mild flavor, and nutty aroma.
How is Khichdi recipe made?
Khichdi recipe is made by cooking rice and lentils together, along with spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander, and sometimes vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. The ingredients are cooked in a pressure cooker, and the resulting mixture is a soft, mushy, and flavorful dish.
What are the variations of Khichdi recipe?
There are many variations of Khichdi recipe, each with its unique flavors and ingredients. Some popular variations include Moong Dal Khichdi, Vegetable Khichdi, Masoor Dal Khichdi, and Bisi Bele Bhath.
Is Khichdi recipe healthy?
Yes, Khichdi recipe is considered healthy as it is made with ingredients that are high in protein and fiber, such as lentils and rice. Additionally, the spices used in the recipe have several health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
What is the origin of Khichdi recipe?
Khichdi recipe has its origins in ancient India, where it was considered a nutritious and easy-to-make dish. Over time, it has evolved into various regional and cultural variations, each with its unique twist on the traditional recipe.
What is the difference between Khichdi and Biryani?
Khichdi and Biryani are two popular Indian dishes, but they have distinct differences. Biryani is a flavorful, spiced rice dish, made with a blend of spices, meat, and vegetables. On the other hand, Khichdi is a mild, comfort food, made with rice and lentils, and has a soft texture and nutty flavor.
What are the common ingredients used in Khichdi recipe?
The common ingredients used in Khichdi recipe are rice, lentils, spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander, and sometimes vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. The ingredients are cooked in a pressure cooker to create the soft, mushy texture of the dish.
Can I use other types of rice to make Khichdi?
A: Absolutely! While traditional Khichdi is made with long-grain rice, you can use other types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you use.
You might also be interested in:
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23 Best Indian Soups for Winter
10 Classic South Indian Food Combinations We All Love
Characteristics of Malabar Cuisine
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