Comforting One-Pot Khichdi with Lentils and Rice
Khichdi is a beloved and wholesome dish from North India, perfect for those days when you crave comfort yet desire simplicity in the kitchen. This one-pot meal combines the nutritional benefits of rice and mung beans, providing a balanced approach to a hearty vegetarian feast. Cooked with aromatic spices and your choice of vegetables, this versatile dish can be tailored to your liking. Whether you prefer it moist and creamy or drier with a firmer texture, this recipe allows you to adjust the rice-to-lentil ratio to suit your palate. Ideal for busy weekdays or a cozy family dinner, Khichdi is sure to satisfy your hunger while nurturing your body and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
1/2 cup (washed)
Mung beans (yellow split variety)
1/2 cup (washed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
Cinnamon sticks
2 sticks (whole)
Cloves
2 cloves (whole)
Asafoetida powder
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Red chili
1 (whole (optional))
Mixed vegetables
1 cup (chopped (fresh or frozen, optional))
Potato
1 (quartered (optional))
Butter or vegan margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the basmati rice and mung beans together in several changes of water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch.
2
Transfer the washed rice and mung beans into a pressure cooker.
3
Add 2 cups of water to the cooker. The ratio of water can be adjusted based on your desired consistency.
4
In the cooker, mix in salt, turmeric, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and asafoetida. If you are using mixed vegetables and potatoes, add those too.
5
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and cook for about 3 whistles (approximately 5 minutes) after it reaches full pressure.
6
Once done, allow the cooker to cool. For a faster cooling process, place the closed cooker under cold running water.
7
In a separate pan, heat the butter or vegan margarine over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, red chili, and asafoetida, sautéing for a few seconds until fragrant.
8
Gently mix the tempered spices into the cooked khichdi for added flavor.
9
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting One-Pot Khichdi?
Khichdi is a wholesome North Indian dish made from rice and mung beans, known for being both comforting and simple to prepare.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of basmati rice, which should be thoroughly washed before cooking.
Which lentils are used for this Khichdi?
Yellow split mung beans are used, providing a creamy texture and high nutritional value.
How much water is needed for the cooking process?
The recipe recommends starting with 2 cups of water, though this can be adjusted for your preferred consistency.
How long does it take to cook in a pressure cooker?
It takes approximately 3 whistles, or about 5 minutes, once the pressure cooker reaches full pressure.
Can I add vegetables to this Khichdi?
Yes, you can add 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed vegetables and a quartered potato to make the dish heartier.
What is the purpose of washing the rice and beans?
Washing them in several changes of water helps remove excess starch until the water runs clear.
What spices are cooked with the rice and lentils?
Salt, turmeric powder, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and asafoetida are added directly into the cooker.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it can be made vegan by using vegan margarine or oil instead of butter for the tempering.
What is the 'tempering' step?
Tempering involves sautéing cumin seeds, red chili, and asafoetida in butter or margarine to add a boost of flavor at the end.
Can I make the Khichdi creamier?
Yes, you can adjust the water-to-grain ratio to make the dish more moist and creamy if desired.
What is the role of asafoetida in this dish?
Asafoetida adds a unique savory flavor and is traditionally used to aid in the digestion of lentils.
How should I cool the pressure cooker quickly?
You can safely place the closed pressure cooker under cold running water to speed up the cooling process.
Is the red chili mandatory?
No, the red chili is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 12 ingredients, including optional items like mixed vegetables and potatoes.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that either fresh or frozen mixed vegetables can be used.
What can I serve with Khichdi?
It is typically served hot and can be garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder.
Are the cinnamon sticks and cloves whole or ground?
This recipe uses 2 whole cinnamon sticks and 2 whole cloves to infuse the dish with aroma.
Is this a good meal for weekdays?
Yes, because it is a one-pot meal that cooks quickly, it is ideal for busy weekdays.
Can I adjust the salt?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1 teaspoon, you should adjust it to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the mung beans?
The yellow split mung beans become soft and blend with the rice to create a comforting, porridge-like texture.
Can I make a drier version of Khichdi?
Yes, reducing the water slightly or adjusting the rice-to-lentil ratio can produce a firmer, drier texture.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is considered a balanced vegetarian meal providing protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
What is the ratio of rice to mung beans?
This recipe uses an equal 1:1 ratio, with 1/2 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of mung beans.
How much butter is used for tempering?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan margarine.
Should the cumin seeds be whole or ground?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds for the tempering step.
Is Khichdi a gluten-free dish?
Rice and lentils are gluten-free, but ensure your asafoetida powder is gluten-free, as some commercial brands contain wheat flour.
What heat setting is used for tempering?
The butter and spices should be sautéed over medium heat until they become fragrant.
Does the recipe require many pots?
No, it is primarily a one-pot meal, requiring only a separate small pan for the final tempering step.