Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi: Khichdi, a beloved comfort food in many Indian households, is a rice and dal-based dish often prepared for day-to-day meals. There are various ways to make khichdi, using different lentils and adjusting the rice-to-lentil ratio. However, the classic and widely appreciated version is the Moong Dal Khichdi, made with an equal proportion of rice and moong dal.
As previously mentioned, there are numerous ways to prepare a simple and quick lentil-based Khichdi Recipe. Each variation is derived from the combination of lentils and rice, offering unique and comforting flavors. Among the various lentils, moong dal is the most popular choice for khichdi due to its digestive benefits. Unlike other lentils, moong dal doesn’t cause stomach gas problems and is known to improve appetite. Personally, I find it convenient to prepare this Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi in one pot using my instant pot, setting the timer for an early morning cook when making it for my husband’s lunch boxes.
Furthermore, here are additional tips and variations for the Moong Dal Khichdi recipe. It is highly recommended to maintain the 1:1 ratio of rice and moong dal for the ideal balance of taste, flavor, and health benefits. While I’ve pressure-cooked rice and moong dal in a traditional cooker, you can opt for the instant pot method, adding vegetables and spices directly without using extra cooking vessels. Additionally, you can experiment with other lentils like toor dal, channa dal, and masoor dal, but I suggest reducing the lentil ratio, perhaps to a 2:1 rice-to-lentil ratio.
About Moong Khichdi Recipe:
Moong Dal Khichdi is a straightforward and nourishing comfort food recipe made with basic ingredients like rice, moong dal, and essential spices. This popular dish is prepared and enjoyed across India for various reasons, including as a light meal, during indigestion, or even for constipation. With its combination of rice providing carbs and lentils offering protein, Moong Dal Khichdi is considered a complete meal.
While there are several ways to prepare this basic rice recipe, the typical combination involves equal proportions of rice and lentils. The most commonly used lentil for Dal Khichdi is moong dal, also known as Split & skinned green gram or yellow lentils. Although toor dal and channa dal are alternatives, they may not yield the same taste and texture.
Ingredients:
For Pressure Cooking:
- ½ cup rice
- ½ cup moong dal
- 1 tsp ghee
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- 3¼ cups water
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, rinse and soak ½ cup rice and ½ cup moong dal for 10 minutes.
- In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tsp ghee and add the soaked dal and rice. Saute for 2 minutes or until the dal becomes aromatic.
- Add ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp salt, and 3¼ cups of water. Mix well.
- Cover and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of hing. Saute on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion and 1 tsp ginger garlic paste. Saute well.
- Further, add 1 finely chopped tomato and saute until the tomato turns soft and mushy.
- Keep the flame on low and add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp garam masala, and ½ tsp salt. Saute for 2 minutes or until the spices turn aromatic.
- Add the cooked rice and dal.
- Also, add 1 cup water and mix well, adjusting consistency as required.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavors are absorbed well.
- Finally, add 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander and enjoy Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi with pickle and curd.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cleaning
Thoroughly clean and rinse the rice and moong dal before cooking. Washing with water not only removes impurities but also flushes out excess starch from both.
Step 2: Rice to Dal Ratio
Maintain the universal ratio of 1:1 between rice and moong dal for the ideal balance of taste, flavor, and health benefits. You can adjust the ratio to your preference, but avoid exceeding 1 for the lentil ratio.
Step 3: Cooking
Pressure-cook the rice and moong dal together. This can be done in a traditional cooker or using an instant pot for added convenience. The dish can be enhanced by adding vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes for a nutritious vegetable Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi.
Step 4: Seasonings
After pressure cooking, top the khichdi with onion and tomato seasonings to enhance flavor. This step adds a delightful touch to the final dish.
Step 5: Serving
Serve the khichdi hot, as it is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Reheating may alter the texture, so if needed, reheat by adding water before serving immediately.
Chef Tips for Dal Khichdi Recipe:
- Rice to Dal Ratio: Stick to the 1:1 ratio for the perfect khichdi. Adjust rice ratio according to preference, but avoid exceeding 1 for lentils.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and rinse rice and dal to remove impurities and excess starch.
- Vegetables: While the basic khichdi comprises only dal and rice, you can add vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes for variety and added nutrition.
- Seasonings: Top the cooked khichdi with onion and tomato seasonings for extra flavor.
- Serve Hot: Khichdi is best enjoyed hot. Reheating may affect the texture, so reheat by adding water and serve immediately.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
- Simplicity: Made with basic ingredients, the recipe is easy to follow and uses pantry staples.
- Nutrition: The combination of rice and moong dal provides a balance of carbs and proteins, making it a nutritious meal.
- Comfort Food: With its mild flavor and creamy texture, Khichdi | Moong Dal Khichdi is a go-to comfort food, especially during illnesses.
- Quick & Easy: The entire cooking process takes only 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy families.
- Variations: While the basic recipe includes rice and dal, you can experiment with spices and vegetables to create flavorful variations.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 822mg
- Potassium: 265mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 676 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 63mg
- Iron: 3mg
How to Make Dal Khichdi Recipe
- Begin by rinsing and soaking ½ cup of rice and ½ cup of moong dal in a large bowl for 10 minutes.
- In a cooker, heat 1 tsp of ghee and add the soaked dal and rice. Saute for 2 minutes or until the dal becomes aromatic.
- Add ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp salt, and 3¼ cups of water. Mix well.
- Cover and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp of ghee. Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of hing. Saute on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.
- Now, add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, and saute well.
- Further, add 1 finely chopped tomato and saute until the tomato turns soft and mushy.
- Keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp garam masala, and ½ tsp salt.
- Saute for 2 minutes or until the spices turn aromatic.
- Add the cooked rice and dal.
- Also, add 1 cup of water and mix well, adjusting consistency as required.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavors are absorbed well.
- Finally, add 2 tbsp of chopped coriander and enjoy Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi with pickle and curd.
Notes:
- Soaking the rice and dal helps in faster cooking.
- Avoid adding too much water while pressure cooking to prevent the dal and rice from turning mushy.
- Adjust the consistency of khichdi just before serving as it tends to thicken upon cooling.
- For enhanced flavor, prepare the dal khichdi with ghee.
Conclusion:
Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi is a versatile and comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home. This step-by-step recipe provides a detailed guide to make a delicious and nutritious khichdi using basic ingredients. The combination of rice and moong dal offers a balanced meal, making it a popular choice for everyday cooking.
FAQs:
Can I use other lentils instead of moong dal?
Yes, you can experiment with other lentils like toor dal, channa dal, or masoor dal. However, it’s recommended to reduce the lentil ratio, perhaps to a 2:1 rice-to-lentil ratio, as the taste and texture may vary.
Can I add vegetables to the khichdi?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes can enhance the nutritional content and flavor of the khichdi. Simply incorporate them during the cooking process.
Is it necessary to soak the rice and dal?
Soaking the rice and dal for 10 minutes before cooking helps in faster cooking. While it’s not mandatory, it can reduce the overall cooking time.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an instant pot. Simply follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking time according to your instant pot settings. The one-pot convenience remains, and you can add vegetables and spices directly.
How can I reheat leftover khichdi?
If reheating, add a little water to maintain the desired consistency, as khichdi tends to thicken upon cooling. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated evenly.
