Closing Khichdi
A warm, comforting, and easily digestible porridge made with moong dal and brown rice. Gently spiced and cooked to a soft consistency, this one-pot meal is perfect for toddlers and young children as a nourishing dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the rice and dal
- In a bowl, combine the moong dal and brown rice.
- Rinse them under cold water 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rinsed rice and dal in fresh water for 30 minutes. Drain before use.
TIPSoaking makes the grains softer and easier to digest for little ones.Make the tempering
Heat ghee in a small pressure cooker over low-medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and a pinch of hing. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPKeep the heat low to prevent the delicate spices from burning.Sauté the aromatics
Add the grated ginger and finely chopped tomato to the cooker. Sauté for a minute until the tomato softens slightly.
Cook the khichdi
- Add the drained rice and dal mixture to the cooker.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and stir everything well.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat, or for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Mash and serve
Once the pressure is gone, open the lid. The khichdi should be very soft. Use the back of a ladle or a masher to mash it to a porridge-like consistency suitable for your toddler. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.
TIPIf the khichdi is too thick, you can stir in a little warm water to reach the desired consistency.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of water to 3.5 cups.
- 2Always check the temperature of the khichdi before feeding it to your child.
- 3You can add a small amount of finely grated carrot or zucchini along with the tomato for extra nutrients.
- 4This khichdi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- 5Avoid adding any strong spices or green chilies as this recipe is intended for very young children.
- 6The consistency should be like a thick soup or porridge, easy for a toddler to swallow.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is extremely healthy. It provides a balanced mix of protein from moong dal and complex carbohydrates from brown rice. It's light, easy to digest, and very gentle on a toddler's stomach.
