Masala Khichdi
A comforting one-pot meal of rice and lentils cooked with a medley of vegetables and fragrant Indian spices. This wholesome, easy-to-digest dish is perfect for a nourishing lunch or a light, satisfying dinner.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
TIPSoaking ensures the rice and dal cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a better texture. - 2
Step 2
- 3
Step 3
- 4
Step 4
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add the diced potato, carrot, and green peas. Mix well to coat them with the masala.
- b.Add the drained rice and dal to the cooker and stir gently for a minute.
- c.Pour in 3 cups of water, add salt, and mix everything well.
- 6
Step 6
TIPLetting the pressure release on its own prevents the khichdi from being undercooked and makes it softer. - 7
Step 7
- 8
Step 8
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a nuttier flavor, dry roast the moong dal on low heat until it becomes aromatic before washing and soaking.
- 2The ratio of rice-dal to water is key. Use a 1:3 ratio for a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- 3A final drizzle of ghee over the khichdi just before serving enhances the flavor immensely.
- 4For a creamier texture, gently mash the khichdi with the back of a ladle after cooking.
- 5Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, beans, or bell peppers.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil to make this dish completely plant-based.
jainJain
Omit the onion, ginger, and garlic. You can also skip the potato and carrot, replacing them with raw banana or yam.
healthyHealthy
Increase the quantity of vegetables and reduce the amount of ghee to 1 tablespoon for a lower-calorie version.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, you can skip the 30-minute soaking step. You may need to add an extra whistle during pressure cooking.
high proteinHigh protein
Use a mix of dals like toor dal and moong dal, or add some chopped paneer or tofu after pressure cooking for a protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Protein Source
The combination of rice and lentils provides all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is especially beneficial for vegetarian diets.
Easy to Digest
Khichdi is light on the stomach and easy to digest, making it an ideal comfort food and a recommended meal during illness or recovery.
Rich in Fiber
The inclusion of lentils and various vegetables makes this dish high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in managing blood sugar levels.
Packed with Nutrients
With a variety of vegetables, this khichdi is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Masala Khichdi is considered a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides a good combination of carbohydrates from rice and protein from lentils. The added vegetables make it rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.