Mixed Vegetable Khichdi is a wholesome dish that combines rice, moong dal, and vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes. It’s cooked with ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin to enhance the flavor. This dish is perfect for a healthy and comforting meal, offering a balance of carbs, protein, and fiber. It’s easy to make in a pressure cooker or a regular pot. Khichdi is a light, digestible dish that’s great for colder months or when you need a nourishing meal. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with yogurt, pickle, or papad for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow split gram)
- 1 medium-sized carrot, chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup potato, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- 4 cups water (or as needed)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparation of Ingredients:
- Rinse the rice and moong dal in water 2-3 times and set them aside.
- Chop the vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes into small pieces.
- Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chili (if using).
- Keep all your ingredients ready before you begin cooking.
2. Temper the Spices:
- Heat 1 tbsp of ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or large pot on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until the onions become soft and golden brown.
3. Sautéing Vegetables:
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Now, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, and potato) and stir well.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder, salt, and garam masala over the vegetables and mix everything well.
- You can also add green chili here if you like a bit of spice.
4. Add Rice and Dal:
- Add the washed rice and moong dal into the pot. Stir well to combine the vegetables and rice with the spices.
- Cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the rice and dal to lightly roast in the spices.
5. Cook the Khichdi:
- Add 4 cups of water to the cooker or pot. Stir everything together.
- If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles or for about 10-15 minutes.
- If using a regular pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice and dal are fully cooked and soft. You may need to add extra water if it thickens too much.
6. Final Touch:
- Once the khichdi is done, check the consistency. It should be soft and porridge-like, but not too watery.
- Give it a final stir and adjust the salt as needed. If you prefer it more spiced, you can add a bit more garam masala at this point.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
7. Serve:
- Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top, and pair it with yogurt, pickle, or papad on the side.
Tips:
- You can also add a few whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves while tempering for added flavor.
- For extra nutrition, you can add green leafy vegetables like spinach or fenugreek leaves along with the other vegetables.
- You can adjust the water quantity based on how you prefer the texture – for a drier version, use less water; for a porridge-like consistency, use more.
Benefits:
Mixed Vegetable Khichdi is a wholesome, comforting dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals, while moong dal aids in digestion. It’s a perfect meal for colder months or when you’re looking for a light, nutritious option.
