Masala Khichdi: Easy One Pot Recipe

“Someone’s sick?” That is or at least was the likely reaction in my old family that referred to khichri as the most multi functional sick people’s food. I have been told, khichdi sits somewhere between fried rice, porridge, upma and is a desi wonder blended to remain subpar on all fronts competition wise.  

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many of us prefer one pot meals because they are quick to make, hassle-free, and save you from the apocalypse that is a stack of dirty dishes. 

The best part of it though is that khichdi can be made according to your preference without sacrificing taste, nutritional value or that warm feeling of enjoying a home-cooked meal.  

What differentiates Masala Khichdi and why you should consider giving this recipe a try with the ingredients you already have in your house.

What is Masala Khichdi?

Masala Khichdi  differs from it in its spices. It is a hearty combination of rice, lentils, different vegetables, and seven spices (or more) blended into one dish, giving it an incredible taste.

The difference between regular and Masala Khichdi is that khichdi has spices infused or cooked with rice. With khichdi, one can control the spiciness of heat, the amount of veggies, and the amount of oil making this dish very customizable for its consumers.

Ingredients

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1. Rice – 1 cup 
2. Yellow moong dal – ½ cup (washed and soaked for 15-20 minutes)
3. Mixed vegetables – 1 cup (like carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
4. Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
5. Tomato – 1 large, finely chopped
6. Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
7. Green chilies – 2, slit
8. Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
9. Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
10. Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
11. Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
12. Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
13. Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
14. Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
15. Ghee or oil – 2 tablespoons
16. Fresh coriander leaves – for garnishing
17. Salt – as per taste
18. Water – 3 to 4 cups (depending on the consistency you prefer)
    

Step-by-Step Recipe for Masala Khichdi

Step 1:

Wash the rice and dal by placing them under a running water tap. After this, soak them for 15-20 minutes. 

Step 2:

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker and heat the ghee or oil using an Induction. After it gets hot, put in mustard seeds. Put in cumin seeds together with a pinch of hing the moment they start to splutter.  

Step 3:

Next, greatly chop onions, add them and mix until they are translucent and cooked through.  

Put in the green chilies along with ginger and garlic paste and mix them for a minute until the odor is gone.  

Use a ‘Add Item’ button to place them in the pot and wait for a few seconds or until the oil is visible.  

Step 4:

Next, put salt, red chili powder, and coriander powder inside the mixture. Pour in extra tuber as well and mix till the masala is well blended. Put them aside where they will wait for further instructions.  

Watch as oil escapes and ‘Put Item’ is clicked on the vegetable.  

Step 5:

Take out the rice and dal soaked and put them inside a masala. Gently stir so everything becomes coated.  

Now grab 3-4 cups of water and combine them in equal proportion and the desired ratio of mushy vs grainy khichdi to be served.

Step 6:

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Place the lid on the cooker and cook for 2-3 whistles. If using a pot, cover it and let it simmer on low flame until everything is soft.

Once the pressure releases naturally, sprinkle garam masala, stir gently and open the lid.

Serve hot ,garnished with fresh coriander leaves!

Tips to Perfect  Masala Khichdi

• Soak the rice and dal before cooking. It saves time.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
• For  richer flavor, use a combination of ghee and oil.
  You can also sprinkle some lemon juice on top .
  
  

Variations You Can Try

1. Vegetable Overload

Add seasonal veggies like bell peppers, corn, spinach, and zucchini.

2. Protein Boost

Add paneer cubes, boiled eggs, tofu, or top it with boiled eggs. 

3. Millet Khichdi

Substitute rice with millets such as barnyard millet and foxtail millet for a gluten-free, healthier alternative.

4. Non-Veg Twist

Shredded chicken or mutton keema can be added for a non-vegetarian meal.

5. South Indian Flavor

For a South Indian twist, curry leaves and a hint of coconut milk can be added.

Why Masala Khichdi Should Be a Part of Your Regular Meal 

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PlanAll of these ingredients combined make it a wholesome meal due to the nutrition provided by the protein and fiber from dal and veggies.   

It's highly nutritious and soft on the system, outstanding for when you want to feel full but have something light.  

You can prepare a large dish of it and even reheat it the next day. The taste is always the same, and it's occasionally even better.  

This is incredibly affordable with low-cost, basic ingredients that everyone has at home.  

It's comforting, bringing warmth and homeliness alongside great taste. At the same time, Masala Khichdi is a lovely dish which many others wouldn't be able to replicate. It gives you the reminder that good food doesn't need to be fancy; simplicity can be sophisticated.

Serving Ideas for Masala Khichdi

• A bowl of chilled curd or raita
• A spicy pickle on the side
• Crispy papad for that crunch
• Cucumber, onion, and carrot salad
• Drizzle of ghee or a dollop of butter on top

These add ons turn your humble khichdi into a  royal feast without any complicated efforts.

Conclusion

It is a hectic world filled with complicated recipes and focus on gourmet meals, so Masala Khichdi is a refreshing dip into soulful, comfort foods. In fact, it goes to show that the best meals are those that provide comfort, warmth, and evoke memories of home. Cooking for one or feeding a family, Masala Khichdi is that one magic dish that aids in nutrition and fulfills satiation without failure.

Glen India’s range of innovative kitchen appliances is a delight when it comes to making cooking effortless and hassle-free. Ease of use in the appliances suggests collaboration with the user so, Glen India does not fail to offer efficient cooktops and powerful pressure cookers. 

Glen India guarantees you that your daily cooking will become easier, faster, and enjoyable. Because after all, wonderful food needs a wonderful partner.