Moong Dal Khichdi (Rice and Lentil Porridge)
Local name: मूंग दाल खिचड़ी
In short: A soft one-pot porridge of rice and split yellow moong dal, tempered with cumin, ginger and green chili and topped with ghee. Gentle comfort food. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Khichdi is the porridge-like one-pot of rice and lentils that nearly every Indian household makes, often when someone is tired, unwell or short of time. This version uses split yellow moong dal, which cooks to a soft, creamy texture, and a quick tempering of cumin, ginger and green chili. A spoonful of ghee on top is customary. Serve it with yogurt, papad and pickle for a complete, gentle meal.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and dal together in several changes of water until it runs clear. Cover with fresh water and soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the ghee in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, and when they sizzle, add the ginger, green chilies and asafoetida for 30 seconds.
- Add the drained rice and dal, turmeric, salt and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, partly cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grains are very soft and porridge-like.
- Add a little hot water if the khichdi is thicker than you like. Mash lightly with the back of a spoon and taste for salt.
- Serve in warm bowls with the remaining ghee melted over the top, along with yogurt, papad and pickle.
Tips
- For a thicker khichdi use 1 liter (4 cups) water. For a very soft, baby-friendly texture use 1.5 liters (6 cups) and mash well, leaving out the chilies.
- In a pressure cooker, cook the same quantities for 3 whistles (about 10 minutes at high pressure) and let the pressure drop naturally.
Questions and answers
Why do Indians eat khichdi when sick?
In many homes it is the first meal cooked when someone feels unwell, because it is soft, mild and easy to eat. Keep the spices light and add ghee or a little yogurt on the side.
What do you eat with khichdi?
Plain yogurt, a spoonful of mango pickle, papad and a pat of ghee on top are classic. A simple vegetable stir-fry also goes well.
Can I use brown rice or other dals?
Yes. Brown rice needs 45 to 50 minutes and a little more water. Toor or masoor dal can replace the moong, although cooking times differ slightly.
How long does it take to make Moong Dal Khichdi (Rice and Lentil Porridge)?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Moong Dal Khichdi (Rice and Lentil Porridge)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
