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Indian-Spiced Khichdi

Courtesy Kanchan Koya
Cook Time:
25 mins
Prep Time:
15 mins
Servings:
4
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Chef notes

For me, khichdi is pure comfort food from my childhood in India. When we had the tummy troubles, my mom would whip up a simple khichdi of rice and lentils with minimal spices and then up the spice ante for a dinner party- approved masala khichdi served with plain yogurt and a tangy spicy mango pickle. This recipe is somewhere in the middle, perfect when you are looking for a quick comforting weeknight dinner that's light on effort, easy on your digestive system and big on flavor.

Technique tip: Sautéing the rice and lentil mixture in the spiced oil with the vegetables helps add a nice complexity to the dish. Also, you can add as much or as little water as you like depending on your preference for a drier or soupier khichdi.

Swap option: You can use ghee instead of oil and quinoa instead of rice. You can also use yellow or whole green lentils, though the latter will take a bit longer to cook.

Special equipment: Instant Pot or pressure cooker (not necessary but will help speed things up).

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup red or yellow lentils
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 cardamom pods, gently smashed
  • 1 1/2-inch cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 black peppercorns
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 dried red chiles (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 pinch hing (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/3 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/3 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup chopped green beans
  • salt
  • fresh cilantro, to garnish
  • garam masala, to finish (optional)
  • plain yogurt and pickle for serving (optional)

Preparation

1.

Soak the rice and lentils with enough water to cover for 1-3 hours.

2.

Warm the oil on a medium-high flame until it shimmers. Add the cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, clove, bay leaf and chiles, and allow them to sizzle for a minute.

3.

Add the ginger and cook for a minute.

4.

Add the hing and turmeric and sauté for a minute.

5.

Add the vegetables and salt, and cook for 3 minutes.

6.

Add the drained, soaked rice and lentils and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until lightly toasted.

7.

Add 3½ cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and cook on a low flame for 20-25 minutes until cooked through, adding more water if you want a more porridge-like consistency (if using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, use 2 cups of water and cook for 10-15 minutes on high pressure).

8.

Adjust the salt to taste. Serve with a garnish of fresh cilantro and a dusting of garam masala. You can also add a dollop of plain or coconut yogurt and your favorite tangy pickle.