Vegetable Khichdi

Detailed Vegetable Khichdi (Masala Khichdi) Recipe (Sattvik Style)

Vegetable Khichdi is the heartier, more robust cousin of simple Moong Dal Khichdi. Loaded with vegetables and a few extra spices, it is a complete, one-pot nutritional powerhouse.

1. Ingredients

• Rice: 1/2 cup short-grain rice.
• Moong Dal: 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal.
• Mixed Vegetables: 1.5 cups finely chopped (carrots, green peas, potatoes, french beans).
• Ghee: 3-4 tablespoons.
• Whole Spices: 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon.
• Green Chilies: 1-2 (slit).
• Ginger: 1 inch (finely grated).
• Tomato: 1 medium (chopped).
• Spice Powders: 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala.
• Hing (Asafoetida): A generous pinch.
• Water: 4 to 5 cups.
• Salt: To taste.
• Garnish: Fresh coriander.

2. How to Cook - Step-by-Step Guidance

Step 1: Wash and Soak Wash the rice and dal together. Soak them for 20 minutes to improve digestibility. Drain well.

Step 2: Tempering and Veggies Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee directly in the pressure cooker. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add the grated ginger, green chilies, and hing. Sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Spice Base Add the chopped tomato. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it breaks down slightly. Stir in the turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala.

Step 4: Roast the Veggies and Grains Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the cooker and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the drained rice and dal. Gently stir everything together, roasting the grains in the spiced ghee for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Pressure Cook Pour in the 4 to 5 cups of water and add salt. Give it a good stir. Close the pressure cooker tightly and cook on medium heat for 4 whistles.

Step 6: Final Garnish Once the pressure releases naturally, open and gently mix the thick, soupy khichdi. Top generously with the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of raw ghee and freshly chopped coriander before serving.

3. What are the Health Benefits?

• Nutritional Density: Provides carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, and a massive dose of fiber and vitamins from the vegetables all in one bowl.
• Warms the Core: The array of mild spices gently stokes the digestive fire (Agni) without overheating the body.
• Sustained Energy: Prevents the sluggishness associated with heavy meals because it digests seamlessly while keeping you full.

4. Who Can Avoid?

• Severe Stomach Ulcers: If substituting simple khichdi for a severely inflamed stomach, it is best to leave out the tomatoes and extra spices like cloves and garam masala.