Masoor Dal Khichdi is a comforting and nutritious Indian dish, combining rice and red lentils (masoor dal) with a blend of spices. It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal, perfect for those seeking comfort food that’s both healthy and easy to digest.
Masoor Dal Khichdi: A Comforting and Nutritious One-Pot Dish
Masoor Dal Khichdi is a popular and wholesome one-pot dish from India that combines red lentils (masoor dal) with rice, cooked together with a medley of spices and vegetables. This simple yet flavorful meal is a staple in Indian cuisine and is cherished for its ease of preparation, nutritional value, and comforting taste. It is often considered a go-to dish when you want something quick, nourishing, and satisfying.
Ingredients
For Khichdi:
- 1 cup Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 cup Basmati Rice washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 4 cups Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- to taste Salt
For Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- a pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Green Chilies slit
- 1 inch piece Ginger grated
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Khichdi: In a pressure cooker, combine soaked masoor dal, rice, turmeric powder, salt, and water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until both the dal and rice are soft and mushy. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Prepare the Tempering: Heat ghee or oil in a small pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida, chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sautรฉ until the onions are translucent and golden.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they are soft and mushy. Stir in garam masala and red chili powder.
- Combine with Cooked Dal and Rice: Pour the tempering over the cooked dal and rice in the pressure cooker. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. If the khichdi is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some hot water.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top, if desired.
Tips and Information
Variations:
Variations of Masoor Dal Khichdi may include the use of different lentils or the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for enhanced flavor. Some regions of India also prepare khichdi with a tadka (tempering) of garlic and ghee for added richness.Tips and Overview
- Dal and Rice Ratio: The traditional ratio for khichdi is equal parts rice and dal, but you can adjust it to your preference.
- Soaking Time: Soaking dal and rice reduces the cooking time and helps in achieving the right consistency.
- Consistency: Khichdi is usually served with a porridge-like consistency. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired thickness.
- Tempering (Tadka): The tempering adds a burst of flavor. You can adjust the spices according to your taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Khichdi is often served with yogurt, pickles, or papad for a complete meal.
