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Aromatic Indian Khichdi with Moong Dal and Spices

Name: Aromatic Indian Khichdi with Moong Dal and Spices
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup Basmati rice, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup Moong Dal (split yellow gram), rinsed and drained; 4 cups water; Salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon ghee or oil; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 green chilies, slit; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala; Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

An aromatic, wholesome Indian comfort dish combining rice, lentils, and spices for a nourishing meal.

4.3(185 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 23, 2025

Aromatic Indian Khichdi with Moong Dal and Spices — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Khichdi Base

For the Spice Mixture

For the Aromatics

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 273 kcal
Protein: 7.5 g
Carbs: 48.5 g
Fat: 6.3 g
Fiber: 3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1090 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbs: 194 g
Fat: 25 g
Fiber: 12 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup Basmati rice rinsed and drained	200	4	45	0.5	1
1/2 cup Moong Dal (split yellow gram) rinsed and drained	140	9	26	0.5	6
4 cups water	0	0	0	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon ghee or oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 teaspoon cumin seeds	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
1 teaspoon mustard seeds	5	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.5
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder	4	0.1	1	0.1	0.6
1-inch piece ginger grated	2	0	0.4	0	0.1
2 green chilies slit	4	0.2	1	0.1	0.3
1 large onion finely chopped	60	1.6	14	0.2	2
2 medium tomatoes chopped	44	2	10	0.5	2
1/2 teaspoon garam masala	6	0.3	1	0.3	0.5
Fresh coriander leaves chopped, for garnish	3	0.3	0.6	0.1	0.4

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Khichdi Base

1
Rinse Rice and Dal
Rinse the rice and Moong Dal together in water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2
Boil Water and Cook
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rinsed rice and dal along with salt, and cook until they are soft.
3
Mash for Creaminess
Once cooked, mash the mixture slightly for a creamy texture.

Preparing the Spice Mixture

1
Heat Ghee or Oil
Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.
2
Tempering Seeds
Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
3
Add Spices and Aromatics
Add turmeric powder, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Tip: Be careful not to burn the spices as it will impart a bitter taste. Pro tip: Use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process of the rice and dal.

How to Make Aromatic Indian Khichdi with Moong Dal and Spices

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Temper Spices
Pour the prepared spice mixture over the cooked rice and dal. Stir well to combine.
2
Add Aromatics
Mix in the chopped onions and tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the onions are translucent.
3
Final Touch
Add garam masala, stir to combine, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.