Moong Dal Khichdi

When you think of comfort food, what’s the first dish that comes to mind?

For most of us, it’s a warm bowl of Moong Dal Khichdi — simple, soothing, and the ultimate reminder of home. Whether you're under the weather, craving something light, or looking for a nutritious one-pot meal… khichdi is always the answer!

This version is no onion, no garlic, making it perfect for fasting days, pooja menus, or sattvic meals — yet packed with flavor and great for lunch or a quick dinner, and especially lovely when served with some pickle or papad. 

Let's make it together!

Why You’ll Love This Khichdi

• Wholesome + protein-rich from moong dal
  
• Easy digestion — great for all age groups
  
• Cooks in a pressure cooker pot
  
• Sattvic-friendly, perfect for Navratri or Ekadashi
  
• Budget-friendly + quick
  

Ingredient Breakdown

• Moong Dal (Split Green Gram) → protein, gentle on the stomach
  
• Basmati Rice → soft body to the khichdi
  
• Turmeric → healing & anti-inflammatory
  
• Ghee → energy + rich aroma (the soul of khichdi!)
  
• Cumin & Ginger → helps digestion and boosts flavor
  
• Green Chilies → subtle heat
  
• Water → determines if your khichdi is runny or thick
  

Vegan Swap 🌿:  Use cold-pressed oil instead of ghee.

Let’s Cook Together

Start by soaking rice and moong dal — just enough time to soften the grains and make them cook faster. After a good rinse, they head straight into the pressure cooker with turmeric, salt, and a spoon of ghee that turns everything creamy as it cooks.

Four whistles later… pure magic.
Soft grains, perfectly cooked dal — exactly what we want!

Meanwhile, heat a little more ghee for the tadka. Let the cumin sizzle, add in the chopped ginger and slit green chillies — that aroma alone is comfort!

Pour the cooked dal-rice mixture into this tadka and mix gently. Feel free to adjust with hot water depending on your mood —
Thick + mashed for a cozy meal… or slightly runny like a warm porridge.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander — optional but amazing.

Pro Tip 💡: Mash lightly with the back of a spoon after mixing — that’s how you get the creamiest, kid-friendly khichdi!

What Goes Along

• Ghee drizzle — for that temple-style finish
  
• Papad — crispy contrast to creamy khichdi
  
• Mango or lemon pickle — adds the perfect tang
  
• Curd / Buttermilk — a cooling and balanced meal
  
• Kachumber salad — for a fresh crunch
  

How to Serve

Serve piping hot with an extra spoon of ghee on top — trust me, it makes all the difference!
Khichdi thickens as it cools — so adjust consistency at serving time.

Storage & Packing Tips

• Stays good for 6–7 hours in lunchboxes
  
• Add a little water before reheating to bring back creaminess
  
• For toddlers, mash extra and reduce green chilli heat
  

Party / Bulk Prep

Feeding a group or serving in a temple kitchen?

• Double or triple the recipe — cooking time stays the same
  
• Keep in a hotbox or insulated casserole to maintain softness
  
• Add fresh hot water occasionally if it thickens

Other Related Recipes You Might Like:-

• Lemon Rice – Tangy, quick comfort rice.

• Tamarind Rice – South-Indian style temple puliyodarai flavour.

• Palak Rice – Nutritious spinach rice for a wholesome meal.

• Masala Chitranna (Lunch Rice) – Masala-flavoured mixed rice.

• Horse Gram Rice – Protein-rich and healthy rice dish.

• Mexican Rice – A fusion rice for variety seekers.

• Easy Egg Fried Rice – Comforting rice with protein-packed eggs.