Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (2024)

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Khichdi is a timeless classic Indian Comfort food full of simple and pantry friendly inexpensive ingredients. This iconic Indian rice recipe seamlessly combines golden moong dal, fragrant basmati rice, and an exquisite blend of spices. Our step-by-step guide ensures even kitchen novices can master the art of creating a wholesome, protein-packed Dal Khichadi meal in no time.

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (1)

Khichadi also spelled as khichri, is Indian Soul Food. When served with kadhi, it is epitome comfort food similar to Rajma Chawal or Chole Puri. Khichadi is Indian Lentil and rice porridge which is gentle on the digestive system with healing Ayurvedic properties.

This easy khichadi recipe is vegan and gluten-free. Stove top and Instant Pot instructions are included.

Jump to:
  • Recipe Inspiration
  • What is Indian Khichdi?
  • 🍽️Ingredients
  • How To Make
  • How to Make Instant Pot Khichdi Recipe
  • Storage
  • ❓Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Pickles and Chutney that pair well with Khichadi Recipe
  • Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot option)
  • More Rice Recipes

Recipe Inspiration

Growing up in India, my mom made dal khichdi pretty often especially on the weeknights. We used to enjoy it with the side of raw onions, lemon, papad and pickle. Mom used to add dollop of ghee on top for everyone. Now I love seeing my kids enjoy eating it just like we did. Few things brings back such a terrific nostalgia. Memories and comfort associated with khichadi is second to none.

What is Indian Khichdi?

The literally meaning of word Khichadi in Hindi means “Mixture”. It’s a delicious mixture of rice, mung daal and spices. All of this is cooked together eliminating the need to multiple dishes and thereby making it super simple preparation. It is full of warming and earthy flavors.

For any one pot meal, the spices and taste take the center stage. Masala khichdi recipe is no exception. You can add or change it with different spices if you so wish. However, basic combination works just as well if you make it simple spices.

As with any authentic, traditional Indian recipes, there are variations and few ingredients do change from region to region. Dal and rice is staple Indian food. This version below is how I learnt to make it and how my kids eat it.

🍽️Ingredients

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (2)
  • Moong Dal: The heart of the dish, these petite yellow lentils bring a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the khichdi, enriching it with protein and essential nutrients.
  • Basmati Rice: The fragrant long-grain rice, when paired with moong dal, creates a harmonious balance of textures and absorbs the aromatic blend of spices, elevating the dish to a culinary symphony.
  • Basic Spices : Khichadi is cooked with warm oil tempering called tadka. You need cooking oil, bay leaves, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, cumin-coriander powder, red chilli powder and garam masala.
  • Optional Ingredients : Feel free to add pinch of asafoetida (hing) , green chili, fresh curry leaves, goda masala and grated coconut , cinnamon and cloves for additional flavors. I often add mix of different vegetables to make it more wholesome. Spinach leaves, cauliflower, green peas, potatoes, carrots and beans are excellent additions.

💡💡💡Traditionally ghee ( clarified butter) was used in making moong dal khichdi recipe. I also use black pepper along with turmeric for better absorption. This moong dal khichdi can also be made with mix of mung, toor dal and masoor dal. You can also make it with brown rice or quinoa.

How To Make

Combine the rice and mung dal. Wash and rinse in cold water. Drain the excess water. Keep it aside.

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (3)

Add oil/ghee to a medium pot on low heat. Once it warms up, add cumin seeds. When the seeds start to splutter, add bay leaves and spices. Stir for about 30 seconds so the spices bloom.

Add washed moong dal and rice. Stir and mix well for few minutes. Add the veggies ( if using) Sauté well. Add water and salt and do the taste test to see if the seasoning is to your liking. Adjust accordingly.

When the water comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, on medium flame, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, when water is starting to evaporate, cover the pot and let it cook. Make sure the rice and moong dal are cooked through.

The watery texture should become bit soft and mushy. If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer. Turn off the heat. Adjust seasoning, if needed, and stir well again.Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges and onion. Serve and Enjoy.

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (4)

How to Make Instant Pot Khichdi Recipe

Start the Instant Pot to Sauté on high. Add oil/ghee. Make sure it coats the bottom on main pot well. Once it warms up, add the cumin seeds. When the they sizzle, add the bay leaves and spices. Stir for about 30 seconds.

Add washed moong dal and rice. Stir and mix well for few minutes. Add the veggies ( if using) Saute well. Add water and salt and do the taste test to see if the seasoning is to your liking. Adjust accordingly.

Cancel Sauté. Close the lid of the InstantPot. Valve to SEALING and Choose RICE Mode. Let it cook per preset timing. Once it is done cooking, let the NPR. Natural Pressure release.

Open the lid. Stir the cooked Moong Daal Khichadi made in pressure cooker. Adjust the salt and seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges and onion. Serve and enjoy.

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (5)

Storage

Moong Dal Khichdi is a dish that holds up well for leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Store any remaining khichdi in airtight containers in the fridge or refrigerator. It can last for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore the dish’s original consistency.

❓Recipe FAQs

What is the significance of Moong Dal Khichdi in Indian cuisine?

Moong Dal Khichdi holds a special place in Indian cuisine as a quintessential comfort food. Known for its simplicity, the dish combines moong dal (yellow lentils) and basmati rice with aromatic spices, offering a well-balanced, nutritious, and easily digestible meal. It’s often considered a go-to choice for its versatility and ability to soothe both the palate and the stomach.

Can I customize Moong Dal Khichdi with additional ingredients?

Achieving the ideal consistency for Moong Dal Khichdi is key to its appeal. Ensure a balanced dal-to-rice ratio and monitor the cooking time to achieve a creamy yet not overly mushy texture. Adjust the liquid content as needed and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remember, the khichdi may thicken upon standing, so factor that into your desired consistency.

Can I make Moong Dal Khichdi recipe in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! Moong Dal Khichdi is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. After cooking, let it cool before transferring it into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore the original consistency. This makes it a convenient and delicious option for those busy days when you crave a homemade, wholesome meal without the fuss.

Is khichdi good for you ?

Yes. Khichdi is a nutritious dish, offering complete proteins and carbohydrates from lentils and rice. Its easy digestibility makes it suitable during illness or for those with digestive concerns. With a low glycemic index, rich fiber content, and customization options, Khichdi provides balanced nutrition.

What is khichdi?

Khichdi is a comforting Indian dish made by simmering lentils and rice with aromatic spices. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and enjoyed plain or with vegetables. Often considered the ultimate comfort food, Khichdi recipe offers simplicity, nourishment, and is a staple in Indian households.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Accompaniments: Serve Moong Dal Khichdi recipe with a dollop of ghee on top for extra richness. Pair it with plain yogurt or a cooling cucumber raita to balance the warmth of the spices.
  2. Pickles and Chutneys: Enhance the flavor profile with a side of mango pickle, lemon pickle, or mint chutney. The tanginess and spiciness of these condiments complement the mellow nature of the khichdi.
  3. Papad or Pooris: For a more indulgent meal, consider serving khichdi with crispy papads or freshly fried pooris. The contrasting textures make for a delightful culinary experience.

Pickles and Chutney that pair well with Khichadi Recipe

  • Tomato Chutney
  • Flaxseed Garlic Chutney
  • Carrot Ginger Pickle
  • Sweet lemon Pickle
  • Green Tomato Salad
  • Green Chilli Pickle
  • Apple Ginger Chutney
  • Peach Chutney
Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (6)

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Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (7)

Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot option)

Prajakta Sukhatme

Khichdi is a comforting Indian one pot meal made by simmering lentils and rice with aromatic spices. It's versatile and easy to prepare. Masala Khichadi, a staple in Indian household, is an ultimate soul food full of simplicity and nourishment.

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 cups

Calories 213 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup moong dal split mung beans washed and rinsed
  • 1 cup rice I prefer Basmati rice
  • 3 cups water for cooking
  • 1 Tablespoon oil
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder adjust per taste
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust per taste
  • teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • chopped fresh coriander or cilantro
  • chopped onion, lime/lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

  • Combine the rice and moong dal. Wash and rinse in cold water. Drain the excess water. Keep it aside.

How to make Khichdi on Stove top

  • Add oil to a medium pot on low heat. Once it warms up, add cumin seeds. When the seeds start to splutter, add bay leaves and spices. Stir for about 30 seconds so the spices bloom.

  • Add washed moong dal and rice. Stir and mix well for few minutes. Add the veggies ( if using) Sauté well. Add water and salt and do the taste test to see if the seasoning is to your liking. Adjust accordingly.

  • Let the water come to a boil on high heat, turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, on medium flame, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, when water is starting to evaporate, cover the pot and let it cook. Make sure the rice and moong dal are cooked through.

  • The watery texture should become bit soft and mushy. If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer. Turn off the heat. Adjust seasoning, if needed, and stir well again. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges and onion. Serve and Enjoy.

How to make Instant Pot Khichdi Recipe

  • Start the Instant Pot to Sauté on high. Add oil. Make sure it coats the bottom on main pot well. Once it warms up, add the cumin seeds. When the they sizzle, add the bay leaves and spices. Stir for about 30 seconds.

  • Add washed moong dal and rice. Stir and mix well for few minutes. Add the veggies ( if using) Saute well. Add water and salt and do the taste test to see if the seasoning is to your liking. Adjust accordingly.

  • Cancel Sauté. Close the lid of the InstantPot. Valve to SEALING and Choose RICE Mode. Let it cook per preset timing. Once it is done cooking, let the NPR. Natural Pressure release.

  • Open the lid. Stir the cooked Moong Daal Khichadi made in pressure cooker. Adjust the salt and seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges and onion. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Moong Dal Khichdi is a dish that holds up well for leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Store any remaining khichdi in airtight containers in the fridge or refrigerator. It can last for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore the dish’s original consistency.
  • You can add up-to 1 cup of different vegetables in the mix. Spinach leaves, cauliflower, green peas, potatoes, carrots and beans are excellent additions. A pinch of asafoetida (hing) , 2 chopped green chili, few fresh curry leaves, 1 teaspoon goda masalaand 1 Tablespoon grated coconut , 1 cinnamon stick and 4-5 cloves are all excellent additions.
  • Adjust the water quantity based on your texture preference. Khichdi is often served mushy, porridge like texture. If you want to make it like a soup, add more water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 9gFat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6g

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Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (8)

✨✨This recipe was originally published on June 27, 2018. It was modified in February 6, 2024 with photos, step by step Instant Pot instructions and recipe questions. It is republished on 2/6/2024.

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Khichdi Recipe ( Instant Pot Option) (2024)

FAQs

Is instant pot useful for Indian cooking? ›

Is the Instant Pot good for Indian cooking? Of course! I was surprised to see in this NYT article that there are more Indian pressure cooker cookbooks than any other cuisine. South Asian cooking is inherently full of one-pot dishes, curries, and stews, which can easily be adapted to the Instant Pot.

What can I use instead of rice for khichdi? ›

To make it more healthy, somedays you can substitute rice with millets, broken wheat or brown rice. They are simple to cook, and can be made in a pressure cooker when in a hurry. Khichdi is a humble, one-dish meal and fits perfectly into any meal, be it lunch or dinner.

Which rice type is best for khichdi? ›

Rice and millets: Though white rice is used commonly to make khichdi, you can make it with brown rice, broken rice. There are some more khichdi variations made with millets, oats and cracked wheat (dalia).

What is the main ingredients of khichdi? ›

Khichdi is a healthy Indian dish made with rice and moong lentils. Various other ingredients like ghee (clarified butter), cumin seeds, ginger and asafoetida are optionally used depending on the preferences. This simple and humble dish is the first food for babies and people recovering from sickness.

What not to use in Instant Pot? ›

6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot
  1. Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ...
  2. Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ...
  3. Cookies. ...
  4. Burgers. ...
  5. Pie. ...
  6. Steak.

Which Instant Pot model is best for Indian cooking? ›

MOC Recommended - My favorite and most used model that I recommend is the 6 QT Instant Pot DUO with yogurt option. This is also a perfect Instant Pot option for Indian cooking. This is available in 3, 6, or 8-quart sizes.

Which dal is best for khichdi? ›

I use toor dal which is my preferred dal variety for Dal khichdi; its easy to digest and also cooks quickly. You can swap it for moong dal if you prefer. I've also used basmati here although any short grain rice would be good too.

Why khichdi is better than dal chawal? ›

High in protein

Eating a protein-rich diet is essential to a healthy weight loss. Eating khichdi is healthy since rice and lentils are a superior source of protein when combined. Lentils have a lot of protein, however they also lack lysine, a type of protein. Yet rice doesn't have sulfur-based protein.

Can I replace rice with Dalia? ›

Dalia or broken wheat or bulgur wheat is an excellent replacement for rice with a familiar texture and flavour. It is a great choice to prepare khichdi, upma or porridge. Dalia contains just 76 calories in 1/2 cup (91 gm), about 25 per cent fewer calories than an equal serving of white rice.

Is sona masoori rice good for khichdi? ›

This exceptional Indian sona masoori rice is cherished for its versatility, transforming ordinary meals into culinary masterpieces. Whether it's the savory allure of fried rice, the comforting goodness of khichdi, or the sweetness of kheer, every dish is elevated by the natural flavor of our rice.

How much water to add in khichdi? ›

To make khichdi using a 1:1 ratio of rice and moong dal, you can follow these steps:
  1. Rinse 1/2 cup rice and 1/2 cup moong dal together.
  2. Drain and transfer the rice and dal to a pot.
  3. Add 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
May 5, 2022

How healthy is dal khichdi? ›

It is a healthy and nutritious meal, and there are many benefits of having dal khichdi. Dal khichdi is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is a good source of iron and calcium. Dal khichdi is also low in fat and cholesterol, and it is a good option for those who are trying to lose weight.

What is khichdi called in English? ›

Kedgeree evolved from a well-known Indian dish called kitchari or khichdi, a mixture of rice and lentils flavored with toasted spices. During colonial rule the British adapted kitchari using some of their own familiar ingredients, including smoked fish, eggs, and cream.

What is the best combination with khichdi? ›

Along with your regular khichdi, you could order fried vegetables, crispy potatoes, paneer kebabs, grilled chicken, spicy prawns, or fried fish. You can substitute brown rice for white rice and replace moong dal with other dals or even bajra.

What is the British version of khichdi? ›

The inspiration behind the Anglo-Indian dish 'kedgeree' is khichdi. Kedgeree is a cherished and popular British dish consisting of cooked, flaked fish (traditionally smoked haddock), boiled rice, parsley, hard-boiled eggs, curry powder, butter or cream, and occasionally sultanas (a seedless grape variety).

Which cookware is good for Indian cooking? ›

Stainless steel, ceramic non-stick, cast iron, earthenware, and stone are by far the best and most versatile cookware materials you can have in the kitchen to cook Indian food. They offer unmatched versatility in allowing you to cook various cuisines without being limited to only Indian cuisines.

Can we use Instant Pot from US in India? ›

yes, you can take an instant pot to India buying from USA. However, do not plug it directly to use. India runs on 220V power and USA runs on 110V power.

Is it worth to buy Instant Pot in India? ›

Very versatile and quite useful for cooking of multiple dishes. Fully liked and nothing to dislike. The Instapot added immense value to our house in general and to our kitchen in particular. It has made cooking very comfortable and exciting as well just in a couple of days experience.

Which pressure cooker is good for Indian cooking? ›

Generally, Indian kitchens have pressure cookers made from stainless steel, hard-anodized, and aluminium. Unsurprisingly, stainless steel comes out for its sturdiness, inertness, and ease of cleaning. The fact that the aluminium cooker is cheaper than the other two, gives an advantage to them.

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