10+ Khichdi Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Satisfy Your Appetite

Khichdi is a beloved dish in many South Asian homes, known for its comforting qualities and nutrition.

This one-pot meal combines rice and lentils, often complemented by spices and vegetables, making it a perfect option for busy days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

You can find a wide range of khichdi recipes, each with its unique twist. Whether you prefer a simple version or one packed with veggies, there is a khichdi recipe out there that will suit your taste and dietary needs.

1) Classic Moong Dal Khichdi

Classic Moong Dal Khichdi is a simple and comforting dish. It combines rice and moong dal (yellow lentils) to create a nutritious meal. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

To make it, you can use basic spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger for flavor.

Cook everything together in one pot for an easy and quick meal. You can also add vegetables if you like.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup moong dal
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and moong dal under running water.
2. In a pot, heat ghee and add cumin seeds.
3. Once they sizzle, add grated ginger and sauté for a minute.
4. Add the rice, moong dal, turmeric, water, and salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
6. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until soft. Enjoy!

2) Spicy Masala Khichdi

Spicy Masala Khichdi is a comforting dish packed with flavor. It combines rice and lentils with a mix of spices that will warm your taste buds. You can enjoy this hearty meal anytime, especially on a chilly day.

To make it even tastier, add vegetables like peas and carrots. The warm spices, like cumin and ginger, create a delicious aroma.

You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it mild or hot.

This dish works well as a one-pot meal. Serve it with a scoop of yogurt or a drizzle of ghee for extra richness. You’ll love the simplicity and multi-layered flavors of this classic recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup toor dal
• ½ cup moong dal
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the rice and lentils for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pot.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add onions and sauté until golden.
5. Stir in ginger, green chilies, and tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Add soaked rice and lentils, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until cooked (about 20 minutes).
9. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

3) Vegetable-Loaded Khichdi

Vegetable-loaded khichdi is a nutritious and delicious dish. It combines rice and lentils with a mix of colorful vegetables. You can use carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. The spices used make it tasty, while the vegetables add vitamins. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup moong dal
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Water (about 4 cups)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and moong dal in water until clear.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pot and add cumin seeds.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden.
4. Add tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Cook until soft.
5. Stir in mixed vegetables.
6. Add rice and dal; mix well.
7. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until cooked.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Gujarati Khichdi with Ajmo

To make Gujarati Khichdi with Ajmo, you’ll need a mix of rice, lentils, and spices. Ajmo, or carom seeds, add a unique flavor that sets this dish apart. It’s simple and comforting.

Start by rinsing the rice and lentils. Cooking them together creates a creamy texture. You can use ghee for added richness.

Sauté some ajmo in hot ghee before adding the rice and lentils. This helps release the flavor. Add water and let it cook until everything is soft.

This dish is perfect for a quick meal. Serve it with yogurt or pickles for extra taste.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup rice
• 1 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 2 teaspoons ajmo (carom seeds)
• 3 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse rice and lentils together.
2. Heat ghee in a pot and add ajmo.
3. Add the rice and lentils to the pot.
4. Pour in water and add salt.
5. Cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

5) Brown Rice and Lentil Khichdi

Brown Rice and Lentil Khichdi is a warm and comforting dish. It combines the earthy flavors of brown rice and lentils in a simple one-pot meal.

You can make this dish quickly. It is perfect for a busy weekday dinner. The mix of spices adds taste while keeping it healthy.

This khichdi is great for all ages. You can also add your favorite vegetables to boost the nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• ½ cup yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 carrot, chopped (optional)
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the brown rice and lentils together in a bowl.
2. Heat the ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add the turmeric and salt, then stir.
4. Add the rinsed rice and lentils. Mix well.
5. Pour in the water and add the chopped carrot if using.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
7. Check if the rice and lentils are tender. If needed, add more water and cook a little longer.

6) Instant Pot Khichdi

Instant Pot Khichdi is an easy and comforting dish that combines rice and lentils. It brings warmth and flavor with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy days or when you need a quick meal.

To make it, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need basmati rice, yellow moong dal (lentils), ghee, cumin seeds, turmeric, and water.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup yellow moong dal
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and dal in water until it runs clear.
2. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
3. Heat ghee, then add cumin seeds and turmeric. Cook for a minute.
4. Add rice and dal, mixing well.
5. Pour in water and add salt.
6. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Let it natural release for 10 minutes, then serve hot!

7) Toor Dal Khichdi

Toor Dal Khichdi is a comforting and nutritious dish. It combines rice and toor dal (split pigeon peas) for a tasty meal. This dish is simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need rice, toor dal, onions, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric and salt. Use a pressure cooker for quick cooking.

For a soft texture, you can add more water. This dish can be enjoyed with yogurt or pickles on the side. It’s great for those who want something healthy and filling.

Ingredients

• ½ cup short grain or medium grain rice
• ½ cup toor dal (arhar dal)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 5 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and toor dal well.
2. In a pressure cooker, combine all the ingredients.
3. Add water and stir well.
4. Cook for 3 whistles over medium heat.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
6. Serve hot with yogurt or pickles.

8) Khichdi with Fried Onions and Garlic

Khichdi with fried onions and garlic is a comforting dish packed with flavor. The crispy fried onions add a delicious crunch, while the garlic provides a rich aroma.

To make this hearty meal, you’ll need rice, dal, and your favorite spices. Sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown for the best taste.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this khichdi a perfect choice for any day. It’s simple to prepare and is great for both lunch and dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse rice and dal under cool water.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cumin seeds, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Add the rice, dal, and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
7. Season with salt, serve hot, and enjoy!

9) Yellow Lentil and Rice Khichdi

Yellow Lentil and Rice Khichdi is a warming, comforting dish. It combines the goodness of rice and yellow lentils, making it nutritious and filling. This dish is perfect for any meal, especially when you’re looking for something light yet satisfying.

To prepare this dish, you can use simple ingredients available in your kitchen. The spices add flavor and can be adjusted to your taste. You’ll enjoy the creamy texture and delightful aroma as it cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Water (about 4 cups)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice and lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in turmeric and salt, then add rice and lentils.
5. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice and lentils are tender.
7. Serve warm, garnished with cilantro if desired.

10) Khichdi with Cumin and Ginger

Khichdi with cumin and ginger is a simple yet flavorful dish. The warm spices add depth and comfort to this traditional meal. It is perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a soothing dish when you’re feeling under the weather.

To make this khichdi, you will need rice, moong dal, cumin seeds, fresh ginger, and a few basic seasonings. The ginger provides a nice aroma while the cumin brings a nutty flavor.

This recipe is easy to prepare in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. The result is a creamy and nourishing dish that you can enjoy any time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup moong dal
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon ghee (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and moong dal together under cold water.
2. Heat ghee in a pot and add cumin seeds.
3. Once they sizzle, add ginger and sauté for a minute.
4. Stir in the rice and dal, then add water and salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Cook for about 20 minutes or until soft.