Khichdi is a wholesome and comforting Indian dish made from rice and lentils, typically served with ghee or yogurt. A step-by-step guide on how to make khichdi:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (yellow lentils)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter (or oil for a vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse Rice and Lentils:
- Wash the rice and moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat Ghee:
- Heat ghee or oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
3. Add Whole Spices:
- Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida (hing) to the hot ghee. Allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
- Add finely chopped onions (if using) and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Chilies:
- Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute or until the raw smell disappears.
6. Add Turmeric Powder:
- Sprinkle turmeric powder over the sautéed ingredients and mix well.
7. Add Rice and Lentils:
- Add the rinsed and drained rice and moong dal to the pot. Mix them with the sautéed spices and aromatics.
8. Add Water and Salt:
- Pour in enough water to cover the rice and lentils, typically about 4 cups of water for 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of moong dal.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
9. Pressure Cook or Simmer:
- If using a pressure cooker, cover with the lid without the weight (whistle) and cook for 2-3 whistles or until the khichdi is cooked and creamy.
- If cooking in a regular pot, cover with a lid and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed. Cook until the khichdi is soft, creamy, and the rice and lentils are well-cooked. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
10. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot khichdi garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of ghee, if desired.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice on top before serving for extra flavor (optional).
Khichdi is a simple and nutritious dish that's easy to make and customizable to your taste. Enjoy it as a wholesome meal on its own or with yogurt, pickles, or any of your favorite sides.