Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our exquisite masala khichadi recipe. This flavorful dish combines the richness of basmati rice, the nourishment of dal, and a medley of aromatic spices. Elevate your cooking skills and savor a symphony of flavors with our easy-to-follow recipe, featuring basmati rice, dal, ghee, cumin seeds, mustard, ginger, garlic, cloves, onion, carrot, turmeric, coriander, water, and salt. A childhood favorite, often a comforting remedy for winter colds, this one-pot wonder is both a cherished memory and a quick solution for our fast-paced lives
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.Method of preparation with pictures
Khichadi
Khichadi is a traditional Indian dish made by combining rice and lentils, often seasoned with a variety of spices. This simple yet nutritious one-pot meal is known for its easy preparation and versatility. It provides a balanced source of carbohydrates and proteins, making it a wholesome choice for a complete and satisfying meal. Additionally, khichadi is easy to digest, making it a popular option during times of illness or as a comfort food. The dish’s gentle and nourishing qualities, along with its rich blend of flavors, have earned it a special place in Indian cuisine as both a staple and a go-to for its numerous health benefits.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice -2 cups
- Moong Dal-1 cup
- Ghee / Oil-2 tablespoon
- Cumin Seeds-1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds-1 teaspoon
- Ginger, garlic- finely chopped-1 tablespoon
- Onion-2 medium Finely chopped
- Carrot-2 finely chopped
- Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander-1 teaspoon
- Black pepper powder-1 teaspoon
- Salt-1-2 teaspoon( Add according to the taste)
- Tomatoes-2 chopped
- Water-8 cups
- Bay Leaf-2
You can add 2-3 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of Asafetida
| Preparation time: 15 minutes Total cooking time:45 minutes |
Recipe
- Preparation: Start by washing the basmati rice and dal thoroughly. Drain excess water and set aside.
- Tempering: In a pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, allowing them to splutter and release their flavors.
- Vegetable Symphony: Add chopped onions saute well. Saute chopped ginger and garlic. Once sauted well add carrots. Saute well. Then add chopped tomatoes. Sauté until soft. You can add other vegetables of your choice.
- Spice Fusion: Introduce turmeric and ground coriander, Asafetida, Black pepper powder and salt allowing the spices to coat the vegetables with their vibrant hues and rich flavors.
- Rice and Dal Unison: Incorporate the washed basmati rice and dal into the mix, ensuring they are well-coated with the aromatic blend.
- Liquid Harmony: Pour in water, cover the pressure cooker and allow it to cook under pressure for five whistles.
- Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your masala khichadi is ready to be served.
Method of preparation with pictures
1.In a pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, allowing them to splutter and release their flavors.
2. Add chopped onions saute well. Saute chopped ginger and garlic.
3.Once sauted well add carrots. Saute well. Then add chopped tomatoes. Sauté until soft. You can add other vegetables of your choice.
4. Introduce turmeric and ground coriander, Asafetida, Black pepper powder and salt allowing the spices to coat the vegetables with their vibrant hues and rich flavors.
5.Incorporate the washed basmati rice and dal into the mix, ensuring they are well-coated with the aromatic blend.
6.Pour in water, cover the pressure cooker and allow it to cook under pressure for five whistles.
7.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your masala khichadi is ready to be served.
8.Present your masala khichadi hot, garnished with fresh coriander, and accompanied by yogurt or pickle for an authentic touch.
Watch video recipe
Health Benefits
Khichadi, a traditional Indian dish made from rice and lentils, offers a range of health benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Khichadi provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates and proteins, supplying essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
- Digestive Aid: The dish is easy to digest, making it a go-to option during illness or for those with digestive issues.
- Detoxification: The combination of rice and lentils is believed to have detoxifying properties, helping cleanse the digestive system.
- Stabilizes Blood Sugar: The low glycemic index of khichadi helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes.
- Rich in Fiber: The inclusion of lentils and rice provides a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive tract and aiding in weight management.
- Balances Doshas: In Ayurveda, khichadi is considered a tridoshic food, helping balance all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—resulting in overall well-being.
- Hydration: The soupy consistency of khichadi contributes to hydration, especially beneficial during times of illness when maintaining fluid balance is crucial.
Incorporating khichadi into your diet can be a nutritious and comforting choice, offering a multitude of health advantages.
Storage and reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerate promptly in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days in the fridge; freeze for longer storage (1-2 months).
Reheating:
- Stovetop or microwave methods.
- Add water for moisture.
- Stir well; ensure even heating.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of 1 cup of khichadi, made with the specified ingredients, can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. However, here’s an approximate breakdown:
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Protein | 10-15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 grams |
| Fiber | 6-8 grams |
| Fat | 5-8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 5-10 milligram |
| Sodium | 500-700 milligram |
| Potassium | 300-400milligram |
- Vitamins and Minerals: Khichadi is a good source of B-vitamins, iron, zinc, and other essential minerals.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using a nutrition calculator or consulting with a registered dietitian. They can provide accurate values based on the exact ingredients and measurements you use in your recipe.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Certainly! While basmati rice adds a distinct aroma, brown rice is a healthy alternative with a nuttier flavor.
Q: How can I make the khichadi spicier?
Adjust the quantity of black pepper or add green chili according to your spice preference.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the khichadi?
Certainly! Feel free to add peas, potatoes, or any veggies of your choice for added nutrition.
Q: How long does it take to cook the khichadi on average?
Approximately 25-30 minutes, ensuring both rice and dal are cooked to perfection.
Conclusion
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our exquisite masala khichadi recipe, a one-pot wonder that beautifully combines the richness of basmati rice, the nourishment of dal, and a medley of aromatic spices. This flavorful and nutritious dish not only holds a special place in Indian cuisine as a go-to comfort food but also offers a plethora of health benefits. From being a source of essential nutrients and aiding in digestion to providing detoxifying properties and balancing doshas, khichadi encompasses a symphony of flavors and well-being. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a quick solution for our fast-paced lives, our easy-to-follow recipe promises to elevate your cooking skills and savor the wholesome goodness of this timeless classic. So, indulge in this soul-satisfying creation, and savor every spoonful of warmth and nourishment it brings to your table.
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