Palak Khichadi Recipe: A Nutritious Spinach and Lentil Delight

Palak Khichadi is a wholesome and delicious dish that combines the goodness of spinach, lentils, and rice. Packed with nutrients and flavors, this recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your meal repertoire. 

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Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this delectable Palak Khichadi:

Ingredients:

1 cup rice

1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)

2 cups chopped spinach (palak)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons ghee or oil

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Rinse and Soak: 

Wash the rice and lentils separately. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes.

Prepare Spinach: 

Clean and chop the spinach finely. You can blanch the spinach in hot water for a minute or two, or you can add it directly to the khichadi later.

Cooking Rice and Lentils:

In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.

Now, add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well.

Add Rice and Lentils:

Drain the soaked rice and lentils and add them to the cooker. Stir well to coat the rice and lentils with the spices.

Pour in about 4 cups of water and add salt. Mix everything well.

Pressure Cooking:

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Add Spinach:

Open the pressure cooker once the pressure has released. Stir in the chopped spinach. The residual heat will cook the spinach.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Palak Khichadi. It's a perfect dish for a wholesome and satisfying meal that brings together the goodness of vegetables and lentils in every bite.