Khichdi is a comforting, nutritious Indian dish made from rice and lentils, spiced just right to tickle your taste buds.
Got a craving for something hearty, comforting, and oh-so-simple? Say hello to your new best friend: khichdi! This divine dish is like a warm hug on a plate – and lucky for you, it’s perfectly portioned for one. From ingredient lists to easy-peasy steps, we’ve got everything you need to whip up this cozy Indian classic faster than you can say, “Pass the ghee!” Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Khichdi for One: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Khichdi, the ultimate one-pot wonder. Perfect for a cozy night in, this Indian classic is your go-to for a hearty, nutritious meal that won’t leave you wanting for more (literally, it’s just for one person). Simple ingredients thrown together in a dance of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!
- Cooking Method: Boiling
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine Type: Indian
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup basmati rice
- 1/4 cup mung dal (split green gram)
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse rice and mung dal together under cold water until water runs clear.
- Heat ghee in a pot over medium flame. When hot, add cumin and mustard seeds. Wait for them to pop like dance figures at a show. We’re setting the stage here!
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Imagine you’re toasting marshmallows around a campfire, but smellier (in a good way!).
- Throw in the green chili and chopped onion. Cook until onions turn golden—a tan that would make the sun jealous.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft. This isn’t speed dating, so give it a couple of minutes to mingle and soften up.
- Add rinsed rice and dal. Stir frequently to mix evenly—think of it like mixing a super-exclusive cocktail.
- Sprinkle in turmeric powder and add salt to taste. Mix well.
- Pour in 2 cups of water, give it a final stir, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until rice and dal are soft and cooked through.
- Remove pot from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Your khichdi needs some “me-time” before it dazzles on your plate.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Voilà! You now have a dish that’s as cozy as your favorite blanket.
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: For a twist, replace mung dal with red lentils or toor dal. Add some mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes to make it more nutritious.
- Garnishing Options: A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of lemon juice can elevate your khichdi to the next level.
- Cooking Tips: If you’re in a pinch, a pressure cooker can speed up the cooking process; just cook on high for 2 whistles.
