Traditional Indian Kichari Recipe: A Nutritious and Comforting One-Pot Meal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Basmati Rice
  • 1/2 cup Split Yellow Moong Dal
  • 6 cups Water
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 2 tsp Ghee or Cooking Oil
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Ginger, grated
  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 2 Potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup Green Peas
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves, for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. First, wash the Basmati rice and Moong Dal under running water until water runs clear.
  2. Soak the rice and Dal in water for about 30 minutes.
  3. In a large pot, heat the Ghee or cooking oil over medium heat.
  4. Add the Cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
  5. Next, add the finely chopped Onion, Green Chillies, and grated Ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
  6. Add the diced Carrots, cubed Potatoes, and Green Peas to the pot. Stir well to mix with the onions.
  7. Drain the water from the soaked rice and Dal. Add them to the pot. Stir well.
  8. Add the Turmeric powder and Salt to the pot. Mix well.
  9. Pour 6 cups of water into the pot and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice and Dal are completely cooked and the Kichari is of a porridge-like consistency.
  11. If needed, add more water and adjust the salt to taste.
  12. Garnish with fresh Coriander leaves before serving. Enjoy your Kichari while it's hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower to make it more nutritious.
  • Replace Basmati rice with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option.
  • Use different lentils such as red lentils or mung beans instead of yellow moong dal.
  • Add spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, or garam masala for extra flavor.
  • For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based oil.
  • Include protein-rich ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan protein source.
  • Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves for a sweet and aromatic twist.
  • Replace water with vegetable broth or stock to enhance the flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
  • Experiment with different garnishes such as roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or fried onions.

Recipe overview

Kichari, also known as Khichdi, is a popular Indian dish known for its simplicity, comfort, and nourishing properties. This recipe combines rice and lentils with an assortment of vegetables and flavorful spices, resulting in a delicious, wholesome meal that's perfect for any time of the day. It's a one-pot dish that is easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a long-time fan, this Kichari recipe is a must-try. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the process is straightforward. This dish is also customizable, so you can add or subtract ingredients based on your preference. Expect a comforting, hearty bowl of Kichari with a nice balance of textures and flavors. Do give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Indian home cooking at its best.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other type of rice instead of Basmati?
    Yes, you can use other types of rice such as Jasmine rice or regular white rice, but the texture and flavor of the dish may vary slightly.
  2. Can I substitute the Moong Dal with another type of lentil?
    Yes, if you don't have Moong Dal, you can use other lentils like Masoor Dal or Toor Dal. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  3. Is it necessary to soak the rice and Dal?
    Soaking the rice and Dal helps to reduce the cooking time and results in a softer texture. However, if you're short on time, you can skip the soaking step.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the Kichari?
    Absolutely! Kichari is a versatile dish, and you can add other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
  5. Can I make Kichari without Ghee?
    Yes, you can substitute Ghee with cooking oil if you prefer or if you have dietary restrictions.
  6. How do I adjust the consistency of Kichari?
    If you prefer a thicker Kichari, simmer it for a longer time to allow the rice and Dal to break down further. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add more water during the cooking process.
  7. Can I make Kichari ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make Kichari ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Kichari and hold all the ingredients.
  • Stirring Spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula is essential for mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are useful for accurately measuring the rice, dal, and water.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the onions, ginger, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Grater - A grater is required for grating the ginger.
  • Serving Bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the Kichari.
  • Garnishing Equipment - Equipment like scissors or garnishing tools can be used to chop or garnish the fresh coriander leaves.
  • Ladle - A ladle is helpful for serving the Kichari into individual bowls.

Origin stories

Kichari, a humble yet versatile dish, has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. This delightful concoction of rice and lentils emerged amidst the diverse food culture of India, with its earliest mention found in Ayurvedic scriptures dating back to 300 BC. Revered as one of the most healing and nourishing foods, Kichari was often used in Ayurvedic medicine to balance the "doshas", or the three energies that govern our health according to this ancient practice. Over centuries, this simple, nutritious meal has found its way into the households of rich and poor alike, traversing regional boundaries and evolving with a myriad of locally-inspired versions. Today, Kichari remains a beloved comfort food in many Indian homes, often served to people recovering from illness due to its easy digestibility and nutritional richness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.