Soft Khichdi
A gentle, nourishing, and easily digestible porridge made with brown rice and moong dal. Lightly spiced and cooked until soft, it's the perfect comfort food for little ones or when you need a light meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the rice and dal.
In a bowl, combine the brown rice and moong dal. Wash them thoroughly under running water 3-4 times. Add fresh water and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. Drain the water just before cooking.
TIPSoaking makes the rice and dal cook faster and become softer, which is ideal for easy digestion.Make the tempering.
- Place a pressure cooker on the stove over medium heat.
- Add ghee and let it melt.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and sauté for a few seconds.
Sauté the aromatics.
- Add the grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns soft and mushy.
Cook the khichdi.
- Add the drained rice and dal mixture to the cooker.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and the pinch of salt.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and mix everything well.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 whistles.
- After the whistles, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
TIPUsing more water than usual is key to achieving the soft, porridge-like consistency perfect for toddlers.Let the pressure release naturally.
Turn off the heat and allow the pressure cooker to cool down on its own. Do not try to force release the pressure. This allows the khichdi to continue steaming and become perfectly soft.
Mash and serve.
Open the cooker once the pressure has fully released. The khichdi will be very soft. Use the back of a ladle to mash it slightly to your desired consistency. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving warm.
TIPFor younger babies, you can blend the khichdi to a smoother puree.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra nutrition, you can add finely grated or pureed vegetables like carrot or pumpkin along with the tomatoes.
- 2Always check the temperature of the khichdi before serving it to a child.
- 3The consistency of the khichdi will thicken as it cools. You can add a little warm water to adjust it if needed.
- 4For adults, you can increase the spices and serve with a dollop of ghee, yogurt, and a side of pickle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Soft Khichdi is very healthy, especially for children and those needing a light meal. It provides a balance of carbohydrates from rice and protein from moong dal, making it a complete protein source. It's also very easy to digest and low in spices.
