Masala Khichdi
Comforting rice and moong dal cooked with everyday vegetables, warm spices, and a light tempering. This one-pot Indian favorite turns soft, fragrant, and satisfying, making it perfect for a simple lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Wash and soak the rice and dal.
Rinse the rice and moong dal well in a few changes of water. Soak them together for 20 minutes, then drain.
TIPSoaking helps the khichdi cook evenly and gives a softer texture. - prep · ~7 min
Prepare the vegetables and aromatics.
Chop the onion and tomatoes, cube the potato, dice the carrot, slit the green chilies, grate the ginger, and keep the peas ready.
- temper · ~1 min
Make the tempering in the cooker.
1.Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.3.Let the cumin crackle for 20 to 30 seconds.4.Add asafoetida and stir once.TIPKeep the heat moderate so the spices bloom without burning. - saute · ~6 min
Cook the onion, chili, and ginger.
1.Add the chopped onion and green chilies.2.Cook until the onion turns soft and light golden, about 4 to 5 minutes.3.Add the grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds. - saute · ~6 min
Add tomatoes, spices, and vegetables.
1.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.2.Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.3.Add the potato, carrot, and peas.4.Mix well and cook for 2 minutes. - pressure cook · ~15 min
Pressure cook the khichdi.
1.Add the drained rice and moong dal to the cooker.2.Pour in the water and mix well.3.Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 3 whistles.4.Let the pressure drop naturally before opening.TIPFor a softer khichdi, add 1/2 cup extra water before cooking. - mix · ~2 min
Mash lightly and finish the khichdi.
Open the cooker and stir the khichdi gently. Mash it lightly with the back of a spoon for a soft, cozy texture, then mix in the lemon juice.
- garnish
Garnish with coriander leaves.
- serve
Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Let the pressure release naturally; quick release can leave the rice and dal slightly uneven in texture.
- 2Cook the tomatoes until they look pulpy and the ghee starts separating a bit, so the masala loses its raw taste.
- 3If you like softer, porridge-style khichdi, stir in a splash of hot water after opening and simmer briefly.
- 4Mash only lightly at the end so the potato helps thicken the khichdi without turning all the vegetables to paste.
- 5Frozen peas can go in straight from the freezer, but add them with the other vegetables so they cook through fully.
- 6Reheat leftovers with extra hot water, since khichdi thickens a lot as the rice and moong dal continue absorbing moisture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with a neutral oil or coconut oil for a fully plant-based version that still keeps the tempering fragrant.
jainJain
Skip onion, ginger, and potato; add more peas or diced bottle gourd for a lighter Jain-style khichdi.
low spiceLow-spice
Reduce or omit green chili and red chili powder for a gentler version suited to kids or when you want classic comfort food.
milletMillet
Swap the rice for little millet or foxtail millet for a nuttier taste and a heartier texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Balanced Grain and Dal Meal
Rice and moong dal together make this a satisfying one-pot dish with carbohydrates for energy and lentil-based protein.
Vegetable-Rich Comfort Food
Tomato, carrot, peas, and potato add variety, fiber, and everyday nutrients while keeping the dish filling and homey.
Gentle and Easy to Digest
Moong dal and the soft cooked texture make khichdi a soothing option when you want something light yet nourishing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Cook it in a heavy pot with the same water or a little extra, covered, until the rice, dal, and vegetables turn soft and mashable.



