Khichdi recipe or Khichri is a South Asian rice and lentil dish with many variations. Variations include Bajra and Mung Dal Khichri. In Indian culture, it is considered to be one of the first solid foods eaten by children in several regions, especially the northern regions. The khichdi recipe is similar to the savory porridge recipe. Here, we shall understand how to make Khichdi not only healthy but also delicious.
About Khichdi Recipe
Eating khichdi can help detoxify the body, which keeps the digestive system in order and promotes weight loss. Khichdi keeps you feeling full longer, prevents overeating, and maintains your optimal weight. It also gives you the energy to go about your daily activities with ease. Read on to know more about how to make Khichdi recipe.
| Time | Difficulty | Serves |
| 30 mins | Easy | 2 |
How To Make Instant Khichdi at Home (Step Wise)
This is a flavorful and hearty vegetable khichdi made with a blend of greens, mung lentils, rice, onion, tomato, herbs, and spices. This is the perfect one-pot recipe for when you’re too tired to cook! This Masala Khichdi is a comforting, delicious, and healthy lunch or dinner with papad and pickles.
Here’s how to make Khichdi in brief, easy steps:-
Step 1: In a cooker add Oil, bay leaf, cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and thing.
Step 2: Add onions and let them cook. Then add all your vegetables and cook till they are mushy
Step 3: Add your choice of spices and give it a good stir
Step 4: Now add soaked rice and moong dal. Close the lid and cook till 5 whistles on medium heat
Step 5: Serve hot with Curd, Pickles and papad on the side.
Preparation for Khichdi Recipe
Here’s what you need to do to make this easy Khichdi recipe:-
1. Rinse moong lentils and rice together. Then soak both of them in water for about 30 minutes.
2. When the lentils and rice have had time to absorb water, drain all of the water and set it aside.
3. Finely chop one medium onion, one medium tomato, one small green chili, and one inch of ginger.
4. If you like to garnish your khichdi with some coriander leaves, rinse and set aside a few stems.
Ingredients for Khichdi Recipe
- 1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
- 1 bay leaf/tej patta
- 2 pods of cardamom or elaichi
- 1-inch cinnamon/dalchini
- 3 clove
- 1 tsp cumin/jeera
- Pinch of hing or asafoetida
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 slit green chili
- 2 tbsp peas/matar
- 1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste. (Read more about Garlic Nutrition)
- 1 tomato (finely chopped)
- 1/4 carrot (chopped)
- 2 chopped capsicums. (Read more about Capsicum Nutrition)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric or haldi
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder/lal mirch powder
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rice (washed)
- 1/2 cup moong dal (washed)
- 3-4 cups of water
Method/Steps to Cook Masala Khichdi Recipe
Let’s understand how to make khichdi by following these steps:-
This Khichdi recipe is fairly easy.
Any Alternate Way to Make Khichdi
People often wonder how to make khichdi interesting. Here, we’ll look at an alternate recipe that is packed with nutrition and taste.
Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a 3-liter pressure cooker, then add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera).
Step 2: As soon as the cumin begins to sputter, add the finely chopped onions.
Step 3: Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent.
Step 4: When the onions have become translucent, add in tomatoes, green chillies, and 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger.
Step 5: Mix well with the sautéed onions.
Step 6: After stirring in the tomatoes, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
Step 7: Sauté until the tomatoes soften, stirring often.
Step 8: Next, add the drained rice and moong lentils to the pressure cooker, and stir for about a minute or until all the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 9: Season with salt to taste.
Step 10: Mix and sauté the rice and lentils for a minute.
Step 11: Add 3.5 cups of water and mix really well, deglazing the bottom and sides of the cooker.
Step 12: Finally, close the lid tightly and pressure cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or 7 to 8 whistles, on medium-high to high heat. When the pressure falls on its own in the cooker (which takes some minutes), then only open the lid.
Step 13: Stir the khichdi and serve hot with coriander as a garnish.
Step 14: Enjoy this mouthwatering and easy Khichdi recipe
Nutritional Value in Khichdi Recipe
Here’s the nutritional value of the easy Khichdi recipe.
| Serving Size | Quantity per cup (196g) |
| Calories | 238 |
| Fat | 3.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Protein | 11g |
Pro Tips to Make the Best Khichdi Recipe at Home
You can make the easy Khichdi recipe even more delicious using these tips.
- Slow cook your Khichdi on low flame for a longer duration to enhance flavours
- Rest the Khichdi for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Add vegetables like Carrots, capsicum and tomatoes (know more about Tomato Nutrition)
- Soak the Moong dal and the rice well before cooking.
Health Benefits of Khichdi Recipe
Here are some health benefits of easy Khichdi recipe.
1. A Wholesome and Nutritious Meal
The combination of rice and lentils in khichdi can help you get the right mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. This easy gluten-free vegetarian meal contains all 10 essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, white rice is high in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid, and manganese. On the other hand, lentils are also rich in protein and related minerals and vitamins.
2. May aid in digestion
The cumin used in khichdi aids in digestion by potentially increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the body. This spice also releases bile from the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats and some nutrients in the gut. Also, consuming khichdi can help detoxify the system, which keeps the digestive system in order and aids in weight loss.
3. Possibly anti-inflammatory
The turmeric used in khichdi is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin and reduces joint pain. The spice contains bioactive compounds with powerful healing properties that increase the body’s antioxidant capacity while improving brain function. The “Turmeric, the Golden Spice” chapter in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects states that turmeric is a well-studied treatment for a variety of respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis. It can also help with allergies, liver disease, anorexia, and rheumatism, and it helps heal diabetic wounds.
4. May reduce blood sugar levels
The lentils used in khichadi can significantly lower blood sugar levels. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that substituting half a serving of lentils can lower blood sugar levels by more than 20 percent and improve the body’s response to carbohydrates, benefiting diabetics. Follow our diabetes plans.
5. Might Boost Heart Health
Legumes are likely rich in polyphenols, which can lower blood pressure and prevent various cardiovascular diseases. According to a study by the NIH, lentils fed to laboratory animals have been shown to actively reduce total cholesterol, LDL, or bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study recommended eating lentils regularly because of their potential to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
6. Possibly a Great Source of Macro-nutrients
Freshly prepared khichdi is usually eaten with ghee (pure cow ghee), which is an excellent source of macronutrients, protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat. Hari Sharma, a scientist at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Department of Pathology at Ohio State University, USA, calls ghee the healthiest source of edible fat, which promotes longevity, strengthens the brain and nervous system, and moisturizes connective tissue and joints. If vegetables were added, it would further strengthen the nutrient.
7. Possibly gluten-free
Another benefit of consuming khichdi is that it’s likely gluten-free, which is beneficial for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Celiac disease causes a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, patients who show significant and rapid symptoms of the disease should opt for a gluten-free diet like Khichdi, as it contributes to weight loss and prevents diseases such as diarrhea. Check out our weight loss plans.
8. May aid in detoxification
Tips to Limit the Calorie in Khichdi
Follow these tips to limit the calories in this Khichdi recipe:-
- Use brown rice
- Increase the proportion of lentils
- Limit the use of oil
- Avoid high-calorie toppings such as fried onions, cashews or raisins.
If you read more about how to make Khichdi healthy, you can ace an easy Khichdi recipe.
What’s Different in the Khichdi Recipe by Livofy?
Different khichdi recipes can differ in ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles. For example, Livofy’s khichdi recipe may use a specific blend of spices or other vegetables as another recipe. You can also suggest a different cooking method or technique to achieve a specific texture or flavor.
Also, recipes can vary in complexity, cooking time, and the number of ingredients required. Some recipes are more suitable for novice cooks, while others are more advanced and require more time and skill.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a recipe that suits your tastes, skill level, and dietary needs. You can experiment with a different Khichdi recipe and customize them to your liking by adjusting the spice level or using different vegetable or protein sources. You can also try different recipes to know how to make Khichdi healthy and flavorful.
FAQs
What is the cooking time for Khichdi?
It takes about 30 minutes to cook this khichdi recipe.
Is Khichdi healthy?
A constant source of carbohydrates, calcium (know more about calcium-rich foods), vitamins, and many other antioxidants, khichdi is considered a complete and beneficial meal. Cooked into a pulp, seasoned with a little turmeric and salt, and sprinkled with ghee, khichdi can be the perfect meal. This Khichdi recipe is a balanced food that is high in fiber and low in calories and fat, making it easy to digest. It helps your body stay full longer, allows you to eat less food, and ultimately controls your weight. Nonetheless, it is an extremely healthy and nutritious addition to your diet.
Moreover, you can even read more about how to make khichdi healthy and finalize one recipe that works for you.
How many calories does Khichdi have?
In total, this khichdi recipe has 238 calories per serving (196g). Of those calories, 19% come from protein, 68% from carbohydrates, and 13% from fat. Overall, the calories in khichdi provide 16 percent of the daily caloric needs of an adult on a 2,000-calorie diet. You can always read more about how to make khichdi in a healthy way to limit its calories.
How to make Khichdi interesting?
You can make the regular Khichdi recipe even more interesting by following these suggestions:-
- Add roasted or sauteed vegetables as a topping
- Serve it with pickles, papad and Boondi raita
- Experiment with different types of spices
How to make Khichdi without onion and garlic?
Step 1: In a cooker, add oil, cumin, cloves, bay leaf and hing.
Step 2: Add the vegetables of your choice and cook till they are mushy.
Step 3: Now add the spices of your choice and salt to taste. Mix it well.
Step 4: Now add the soaked rice and moong dal and cover the lid. Cook till 5 whistles and serve hot with papad, raita and pickles.
How to make Khichdi in a microwave?
Step 1: Rice and moong dal should be well rinsed in water until the water is clear.
Step 2: Add the washed rice, moong dal, water, ghee, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, and salt to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well.
Step 3: Now add your choice of vegetables like Chopped peas, potatoes, and carrots that are frequently included in Khichdi.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a tiny vent for steam to escape.
Step 5: After carefully removing the bowl from the microwave, stir the khichdi thoroughly. Cook for 5 more minutes on high in the microwave.
Step 6: Once you’ve removed the bowl from the microwave, give it some time to cool.
Step 7: Before serving, garnish with chopped coriander.
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