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| Rice khichdi |
Hello and welcome to my blog today I would share with you how to make khichdi in two ways: a basic version and a more flavorful version(also called as "hotchpotch" in english).
how to make khichdi easily
If you are looking for a simple, easy and satisfying meal that is also good for your health, then you should try khichdi. Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish that consists of rice and moong dal cooked together with spices and ghee (clarified butter). It is often considered as a comfort food, as it is soft and soothing to the stomach. Khichdi is also a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables, herbs and toppings.
Basic Khichdi Recipe
The basic khichdi recipe is very simple and requires only a few ingredients. You will need:
Ingredients
1/2 cup of rice (any kind or quinoa, steel cut oats, millets)
1/2 cup of moong dal (skinless petite yellow lentils, or any other dal)
4 cups of water (more to adjust, for porridge consistency)
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
1/3 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tablespoon of ghee (for topping)
To make the basic khichdi, follow these steps:
Wash the rice and dal together in a colander under running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Transfer the rice and dal to a pressure cooker or an instant pot. Add water, turmeric and salt. Mix well.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes or until the rice and dal are soft and mushy. If using a stovetop pressure cooker, wait for 3 whistles or till cooked. If using an instant pot, set the valve to sealing position and use the manual or pressure cook mode.
Once done, release the pressure naturally or manually. Open the lid and fluff the khichdi with a fork or a spoon. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. You can also mash the khichdi slightly for a smoother texture.
Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top. You can also add some chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves for freshness.
Flavorful Khichdi Recipe
The flavorful khichdi recipe is a more elaborate version that involves sautéing some spices, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic and green chili before adding the rice and dal. You can also add some vegetables like carrot, potato, beans or peas to make it more nutritious and colorful. You will need:
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 bay leaf or 1 sprig of curry leaves (optional)
1/4 cup of onion (finely chopped, 1 very small, optional)
1 green chili (slit or 1/2 red chili powder)
1 teaspoon of ginger (grated or ginger paste, 1 inch piece)
1/2 cup of tomato (deseeded & fine chopped or pureed, 1 medium)
A pinch of asafoetida (hing, optional)
The same ingredients as the basic khichdi recipe
Some chopped vegetables of your choice (optional)
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| Flavorful khichdi recipe |
To make the flavorful khichdi, follow these steps:
Wash and soak the rice and dal separately in water for 20 minutes. Drain well.
Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or an instant pot on sauté mode. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf or curry leaves and asafoetida if using. When the seeds crackle, add onion, green chili, ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion turns golden brown.
Add tomato and cook for another 5 minutes or until the tomato becomes soft and mushy.
Add turmeric, salt and water. Mix well.
Add the rice and dal along with the chopped vegetables if using. Mix well again.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes or until the rice and dal are soft and mushy. If using a stovetop pressure cooker, wait for 3 whistles or till cooked. If using an instant pot, set the valve to sealing position and use the manual or pressure cook mode.
Once done, release the pressure naturally or manually. Open the lid and fluff the khichdi with a fork or a spoon. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. You can also mash the khichdi slightly for a smoother texture.
Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top. You can also add some chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves for freshness.
Tips and Variations
You can use any type of rice or dal for making khichdi. Basmati rice, brown rice, red rice, millets, quinoa, oats are some of the options for rice. Moong dal, toor dal, masoor dal, chana dal, urad dal are some of the options for dal. You can also mix and match different types of rice and dal according to your preference and availability.
You can adjust the consistency of khichdi according to your liking. Some people prefer it thick and dry, while some prefer it thin and soupy. You can add more or less water depending on how you want it. You can also reheat the khichdi with some water if it becomes too dry after cooling down.
You can add more spices and herbs to khichdi to make it more flavorful and aromatic. Some of the common spices that go well with khichdi are mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, mace, saffron, etc. Some of the common herbs that go well with khichdi are coriander leaves, mint leaves, curry leaves, dill leaves, basil leaves, etc.
You can also add some toppings to khichdi to make it more interesting and delicious. Some of the common toppings that go well with khichdi are ghee, yogurt, pickle, papad (crispy lentil wafers), fried onions, fried garlic, fried cashews, fried raisins, etc.
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| Khichdi rice |
Benefits of Khichdi
Khichdi is not only tasty but also healthy and beneficial for your body. Here are some of the benefits of khichdi:
Khichdi is a complete meal that provides you with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber and vitamins. It is especially good for vegetarians and vegans who need a balanced diet.
Khichdi is easy to digest and does not cause any bloating or gas problems. It is ideal for people who have a weak digestive system or suffer from indigestion, acidity or constipation.
Khichdi is light and soothing to the stomach. It is often recommended for people who are recovering from illness or surgery as it helps in healing and restoring the strength.
Khichdi is also detoxifying and cleansing to the body. It helps in flushing out the toxins and impurities from the system and improves the metabolism and immunity.
Khichdi is also comforting and satisfying to the mind and soul. It helps in reducing stress and anxiety and promotes a sense of well-being and happiness.
Conclusion
Khichdi is a wonderful dish that you should try at least once in your life. It is easy to make, delicious to eat and beneficial for your health. You can make it in different ways according to your taste and mood. You can also enjoy it with different accompaniments and toppings according to your choice. Khichdi is a dish that will never disappoint you and will always make you feel good.
Frequently asked questions
What is khichdi made of?
Why is khichdi so good?
Can khichdi cause gas?
How do you prepare khichdi using all kinds of vegetables?
Is khichdi unhealthy?
Is khichdi a complete meal?
What is the English name for khichdi rice?
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