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Vegetable Masala Khichdi Recipe How To Make Healthy Masala Khichdi

Masala Khichdi is a perfect onepot meal for any season and any reason

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Table of Contents

  1. What is Vegetable Masala Khichdi?
  2. How to Make Vegetable Masala Khichdi?
  3. What are the Health Benefits of Vegetable Masala Khichdi?
  4. What are Some Variations of Vegetable Masala Khichdi?
  5. Can Vegetable Masala Khichdi be Made Without Rice?

What is Vegetable Masala Khichdi?

Vegetable Masala Khichdi is a popular Indian dish made with rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables. It is a one-pot meal that is not only delicious but also nutritious. The word "khichdi" refers to a mixture of rice and lentils cooked together. Masala, on the other hand, refers to a blend of spices that adds flavor to the dish.

Traditionally, khichdi was considered a comfort food and was often served as a light meal to aid digestion. However, with the addition of vegetables and spices, Vegetable Masala Khichdi has become a wholesome and filling dish that can be enjoyed as a main course.

How to Make Vegetable Masala Khichdi?

To make Vegetable Masala Khichdi, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 4 cups water
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Follow these steps to prepare Vegetable Masala Khichdi:

  1. Wash the rice and lentils together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot.
  3. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute.
  6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  7. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
  8. Add the diced vegetables, green chilies, and soaked rice-lentil mixture. Mix everything together.
  9. Add water and salt. Stir well.
  10. Close the pressure cooker or cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker, or until the rice and lentils are well cooked.
  11. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and give the khichdi a gentle stir.
  12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

What are the Health Benefits of Vegetable Masala Khichdi?

Vegetable Masala Khichdi is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of them:

  1. Good source of protein: Lentils in khichdi are a great source of plant-based protein. They provide essential amino acids and help in muscle-building and repair.
  2. Rich in fiber: The combination of rice and lentils provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut.
  3. Provides essential vitamins and minerals: The addition of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas enhances the nutritional value of khichdi. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
  4. Low in fat: Vegetable Masala Khichdi is a low-fat dish as it uses minimal oil or ghee for cooking. It is a healthy option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
  5. Boosts immunity: The spices used in khichdi, such as turmeric, cumin, and garlic, have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They help in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.

What are Some Variations of Vegetable Masala Khichdi?

While the basic recipe for Vegetable Masala Khichdi remains the same, there are a few variations you can try to add a twist to the dish:

  1. Biryani-style Khichdi: Add whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom while tempering the khichdi. You can also garnish it with fried onions and mint leaves to give it a biryani-like flavor.
  2. Coconut Khichdi: Replace some of the water with coconut milk to give the khichdi a creamy and rich taste. You can also add grated coconut for added texture.
  3. Spinach Khichdi: Add finely chopped spinach to the khichdi to increase the nutritional value. Spinach adds a vibrant green color and a mild flavor to the dish.
  4. Masoor Dal Khichdi: Substitute the yellow moong dal with masoor dal (red lentils) for a different taste and texture. Masoor dal cooks faster and gives the khichdi a slightly sweet flavor.
  5. Millets Khichdi: Replace rice with millets like quinoa, foxtail millet, or barnyard millet to make a gluten-free and healthier version of khichdi.

Can Vegetable Masala Khichdi be Made Without Rice?

Yes, Vegetable Masala Khichdi can be made without rice. If you are looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, you can replace rice with cauliflower rice. To make Vegetable Masala Khichdi without rice, follow these steps:

  1. Grate a medium-sized cauliflower or pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice grains.
  2. Follow the same steps as mentioned earlier, but instead of adding rice, add the grated cauliflower.
  3. Reduce the amount of water slightly, as cauliflower releases moisture while cooking.
  4. Cook until the cauliflower rice is tender, but not mushy.
  5. Garnish and serve hot.

Conclusion

Vegetable Masala Khichdi is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a wholesome one-pot meal that combines the goodness of rice, lentils, and vegetables. With its rich flavors and health benefits, Vegetable Masala Khichdi is a popular choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, Vegetable Masala Khichdi is sure to delight your taste buds and provide you with a nutritious meal. So, why not give it a try and experience the goodness of this flavorful Indian dish?

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