Masala Vegetable Khichdi
A heartwarming one-pot meal of rice and lentils, simmered with mixed vegetables and mild spices. This wholesome khichdi is the ultimate Indian comfort food, perfect for a light and nutritious lunch.
For 4 servings
Wash and soak the rice and dal.
In a bowl, combine the rice and moong dal. Wash them thoroughly under running water 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Add enough water to cover and let them soak for 30 minutes. This helps them cook faster and become softer.
TIPSoaking is key for a creamy khichdi texture. Don't skip this step!Start the tempering.
- Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add the ghee.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the asafoetida and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Sauté the aromatics.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Cook the vegetables and spices.
- Add the diced carrots, chopped green beans, and green peas to the cooker.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and red chili powder.
- Sauté everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to get coated with the spices.
Combine and pressure cook the khichdi.
- Drain the water from the soaked rice and dal, and add them to the pressure cooker.
- Stir gently to mix everything well.
- Pour in 6 cups of water and add the salt. Give it a final stir.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 whistles.
TIPThe amount of water determines the consistency. Use 6 cups for a porridge-like texture, or a little less for a firmer result.Let the pressure release naturally.
Once the cooking is done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release on its own. This takes about 10-15 minutes and ensures the khichdi is cooked through perfectly.
Garnish and serve.
- Carefully open the lid. The khichdi will look soft and well-cooked.
- Sprinkle the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- Give it a gentle mix to combine.
- Serve the Masala Vegetable Khichdi hot, on its own or with a side of plain yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of ghee on top of the khichdi just before serving.
- 2Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- 3If the khichdi seems too thick after cooking, add a little hot water and mix to reach your desired consistency.
- 4To make it for a baby or toddler, skip the red chili powder and mash the cooked khichdi well before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute ghee with coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil to make this recipe completely plant-based.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/2 cup of cubed paneer or tofu along with the other vegetables for an extra protein boost.
healthyHealthy
Use brown rice instead of white rice and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase the fiber content.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, you can skip soaking the dal and rice, but you may need to add an extra whistle during pressure cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Easy to Digest
The combination of moong dal and rice is very light on the digestive system, making it an excellent meal during illness or for a light dinner.
Complete Protein Source
When rice and lentils are combined, they form a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Rich in Fiber
The inclusion of various vegetables makes this dish rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain good gut health.
Balanced One-Pot Meal
Khichdi offers a perfect balance of macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, all in a single pot.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides a good combination of carbohydrates from rice, protein from lentils, and vitamins and fiber from vegetables. It's also light on the stomach and easy to digest.