Bihari Khichdi
A wholesome one-pot meal from Bihar, this comforting rice and lentil dish is cooked with seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices. Typically enjoyed during Makar Sankranti, it's a perfect meal with a dollop of ghee.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Dals: In a large bowl, combine the rice, moong dal, and masoor dal. Rinse them together under cool running water 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Soak the mixture in fresh water for 20-30 minutes. After soaking, drain all the water completely and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper the Spices: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a 3-liter or larger pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, dried red chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for about 30-40 seconds until the cumin seeds splutter and the spices become fragrant.
- 3
Sauté Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes and cauliflower florets to the cooker
- a.Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables get light golden-brown spots on the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Ingredients: Add the drained rice and dal mixture, green peas, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the cooker. Sauté gently for 1 minute. Now, add the turmeric powder and salt. Mix everything well to ensure the spices coat the ingredients evenly.
- 5
Pressure Cook: Pour in 4.5 cups of water and give it a final stir
- a.Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 whistles (approximately 15 minutes). After the whistles, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This is crucial for a soft texture.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve: Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the cooker. The khichdi should be soft and well-cooked with a porridge-like consistency. Stir it gently. If it seems too thick, you can add a little hot water and mix. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee on top. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the rice and dal is key for a soft, creamy texture and even cooking.
- 2The 1:3 ratio of rice-dal mix to water creates a traditional semi-thick consistency. Adjust water for a thinner or thicker khichdi.
- 3Don't skip the final dollop of ghee; it enhances the aroma and flavor significantly.
- 4For an authentic Bihari meal, serve the khichdi with 'Chaar Yaar' (four friends): ghee, papad, pickle (achaar), and a mashed vegetable dish (chokha).
- 5If the khichdi becomes too thick upon cooling, simply add a splash of hot water and stir until you reach the desired consistency before serving.
- 6For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly dry roast the moong dal in a pan until fragrant before washing and soaking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dal Variation
Incorporate other lentils like toor dal (arhar dal) or chana dal along with moong and masoor dal for a different flavor profile and texture.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like carrots, french beans, bottle gourd (lauki), or spinach. Add spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Millet KhichdiMillet Khichdi
For a healthier, gluten-free alternative, replace the rice with millets like foxtail millet or bajra. You may need to adjust the water quantity and cooking time.
Garlic TadkaGarlic Tadka
For an extra layer of flavor, prepare a final tempering (tadka) by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee, frying 2-3 chopped garlic cloves until golden, and pouring it over the khichdi before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Protein Source
The combination of rice (a cereal) and lentils (a pulse) provides all the essential amino acids, forming a complete protein profile, which is excellent for muscle repair and overall body function.
Aids Digestion
Being a soft-cooked, one-pot meal, khichdi is very light on the stomach. The fiber from lentils and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, making it a perfect meal during illness or for a light dinner.
Boosts Immunity
The inclusion of spices like turmeric (with its active compound curcumin) and ginger provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help in strengthening the immune system.
Rich in Fiber
The lentils and vegetables in this khichdi are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which helps in maintaining gut health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Bihari Khichdi (approximately 1.5 cups or 415g) contains an estimated 440-460 calories. This can vary based on the amount of ghee and the specific vegetables used.