How to Cook North Indian Home Style Moong Dal khichdi

North Indian home-style khichdi is a comforting and nutritious dish made with rice, lentils, and a few spices. Here’s a basic recipe to make it:

Comfort food in India, Khichdi is a one-pot meal made with rice and lentils (usually moong dal), cooked together with spices. It is often served with yogurt, pickle, or papad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• Optional: Chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, etc. (about 1 cup)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak them together in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water before cooking.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot ghee/oil. Let them splutter.
4. Add any chopped vegetables you’re using and sauté for a couple of minutes until they are slightly tender.
5. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
6. Add the drained rice and lentils to the pot. Stir them around for a minute or two to coat them in the spices.
7. Pour in 4 cups of water and add salt to taste. Stir everything well.
8. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook on medium heat for 2-3 whistles. If using a pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice and lentils are cooked and the mixture is creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally if using a pressure cooker. If using a pot, let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve the khichdi hot with a dollop of ghee on top, accompanied by yogurt, pickle, or any chutney of your choice.

Enjoy your comforting and nutritious North Indian home-style khichdi!