Aromatic Indian Khichdi with Moong Dal and Spices

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

Comforting one-pot Indian meal

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

45 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Khichdi Base

1 cup Basmati rice

rinsed and drained

1/2 cup Moong Dal (split yellow gram)

rinsed and drained

4 cups water

Salt

to taste

For the Spice Mixture

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

For the Aromatics

1 large onion

finely chopped

2 medium tomatoes

chopped

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Fresh coriander leaves

chopped, for garnish

Preparation

Preparing the Khichdi Base

Rinse Rice and Dal

Rinse the rice and Moong Dal together in water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

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.

Mash for Creaminess

Once cooked, mash the mixture slightly for a creamy texture.

Preparing the Spice Mixture

Heat Ghee or Oil

Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.

Tempering Seeds

Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.

Add Spices and Aromatics

Add turmeric powder, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

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.

Cooking Process

Temper Spices

Pour the prepared spice mixture over the cooked rice and dal. Stir well to combine.

Add Aromatics

Mix in the chopped onions and tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the onions are translucent.

Final Touch

Add garam masala, stir to combine, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Plating & Serving