Savory Oats Khichdi
A wholesome and comforting one-pot meal where nutritious oats and moong dal are cooked with vegetables and mild spices. This light, savory porridge is perfect for a quick breakfast or a light lunch, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the ingredients.
Rinse the moong dal and soak it in water for 15 minutes, then drain. Rinse the rolled oats. Finely chop the onion, dice the carrot, and grate the ginger.
Make the tempering.
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
TIPEnsure the mustard seeds pop completely; this indicates the oil is hot enough and releases their full flavor.Sauté the aromatics and vegetables.
- Add the grated ginger and green chili, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and green peas. Sauté for another minute.
Add oats, dal, and spices.
- Add the rinsed oats and drained moong dal to the cooker.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and salt.
- Mix everything well for about a minute to toast the oats and dal slightly.
Pressure cook the khichdi.
Pour in 2.5 cups of water and stir well. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on high heat for 2-3 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPFor a more porridge-like consistency, you can add up to 3 cups of water.Garnish and serve.
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. Give the khichdi a good stir. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt along with the water before pressure cooking.
- 2Do not over-cook the khichdi, as oats can become mushy quickly.
- 3Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables like beans, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- 4Dry roasting the oats for 2 minutes before adding them can enhance the nutty flavor and prevent stickiness.
- 5This khichdi thickens as it cools. Add a little hot water to adjust the consistency if needed before serving leftovers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's a balanced meal rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber from oats and dal. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. It's low in fat and great for weight management and heart health.
