Dal Khichadi Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Introduction: 

Dal Khichadi, a wholesome and nourishing dish, is a classic comfort food in Indian cuisine. Combining lentils, rice, and an array of spices, this one-pot wonder offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delicious and nutritious Dal Khichadi that is not only easy to prepare but also a hearty meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients:

For Khichadi:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Split yellow lentils (moong dal) - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Ghee or vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

Cumin seeds (jeera) - 1 teaspoon

Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon

Asafoetida (hing) - a pinch

Ginger - 1 tablespoon, finely chopped

Garlic - 3 cloves, minced

Green chilies - 2, chopped

Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon

Salt - to taste

For Tempering (Tadka):

Ghee - 1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon

Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon

Curry leaves - a few

Steps:

Preparing Khichadi:

Rinse basmati rice and moong dal under cold water until the water runs clear.

In a large pot, combine rice, moong dal, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer until the rice and dal are well-cooked.

Tempering the Khichadi:

In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Let the seeds splutter.

Add chopped ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.

Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well.

Combining Khichadi and Tempering:

Once the rice and dal are cooked, gently fold in the prepared tempering mixture.

Adjust salt to taste and let the khichadi simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Preparing Tadka (Tempering):

In a small pan, heat ghee for tadka over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle.

Pour the tadka over the prepared Dal Khichadi.

Final Touch:

Give the khichadi a gentle stir to ensure the tempering is evenly distributed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy Dal Khichadi with plain yogurt or raita.

Pair it with pickles, papad, or a side salad for added flavor.

Conclusion: 

Dal Khichadi is more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace on your plate. With the wholesome combination of rice, lentils, and aromatic spices, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. Whether it's a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, Dal Khichadi is the perfect go-to recipe for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal.