Ultimate Comfort Food- Masala Dal Khichdi

Khichdi is a famous Indian dish that has been delightful for a really long time. It is a basic yet heavenly combination of rice, lentils, and spices that is generally filled in as comfort food. Khichdi is a meal that is not difficult to plan and is a staple food in numerous Indian families. It is thought about as healthy and nutritious, as it is high in protein, fiber, and fundamental supplements. Khichdi is a famous nourishment for babies and small kids and it is likewise a typical dish served to people who are recovering from an illness or disease because of its easy-to-digest and nutritious characteristics. Generally, khichdi is a flexible and fulfilling dish that is super easy to make with a few ingredients. Today, I will share my Mother's recipe of Masala Dal Khichdi. Without squandering whenever, how about we begin cooking?

Supplies

1. Basmati Rice - 50-70 grams
2. Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)- 50-70 grams
3. Moong Dal (Mung bean split, skinless lentil) - 50-70 grams
4. Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) -50-70 grams
5. Oil/ Ghee (clarified butter) - 3 tablespoons
6. Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
7. Dried red chilies- 1-2
8. Garlic- 8-10 cloves
9. Onion- 1 small
10. Tomato- 1 small
11. Salt- As per your taste
12. Turmeric Powder- 1 teaspoon
13. Red Chili Powder- 1 teaspoon
14. Coriander Powder- 1 teaspoon
15. Asafoetida- 1/2 teaspoon

Step 1: Wash

Take these ingredients in a big bowl:

1. Basmati Rice - 50-70 grams
2. Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)- 50-70 grams
3. Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) -50-70 grams

Wash it properly with water 2-3 times.

I have used roasted moong dal (dry roasted for 1-2 mins), if you're taking raw lentils make sure to wash that as well.

The quantity of the lentil and rice should be equal.

If you have time, then soak the lentils and rice for 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Boil

1. Heat a pressure cooker.
2. Add the washed and soaked rice and lentils.
3. Add water thrice the total quantity of lentils to the cooker. (I have added about 1.2 to 1.3 liters of water for approximately 400 grams of lentils+rice.)

Step 3: Cook

1. Add salt as per taste.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
3. Mix it well.
4. Close the lid.
5. Cook it on high flame for 3-4 whistles and then 1-2 whistles on low flame.
6. Turn off the flame.
7. Let it cool down.

Step 4: Prep for Masala

Finely chop

1. Tomato- 1 small
2. Onion- 1 small
3. Garlic- 8-10 cloves.

Step 5: Tadka

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of Oil/Ghee in a kadhai/ pot.
2. Once it is heated, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
3. Once they start sputtering, Add 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida.
4. Then add 1-2 dried chilies.
5. Add the chopped garlic and saute it for a few seconds till the raw smell of the garlic goes away.

Step 6: Sauteing

1. Add the finely chopped onions.
2. Mix it well.
3. Add a pinch of salt (Adding salt fastens the cooking process.)
4. Cover and cook it for 2 mins till they turn translucent.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes.
6. Mix it well.
7. Cover and cook for another 2 mins till the tomatoes turn a bit soft.

Step 7: Spice It Up!

1. Add salt as per your taste
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder.
5. Mix everything well.
6. Add 2-3 spoons of water.
7. Cover and cook for 2 mins till the masalas are cooked.

Step 8: Add the Cooked Khichdi

1. Add the boiled lentil rice to the masala we cooked.
2. Mix it well.

Step 9: Consistency Is the Key

1. Add hot water to the khichdi to adjust the consistency.
2. Check the videos for reference.
3. It should be slightly thick but not watery.
4. Mix everything well.

Step 10: Garnish

1. Keep mixing for 1 more minute.
2. Garnish it with some chopped coriander leaves.

Step 11: Ready

Our Masala Dal Khichdi is absolutely ready!

Serve it hot with mango pickle and enjoy.

This humble yet nourishing dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with various spices and vegetables to suit your taste preferences. You can add whichever veggies you like as per your liking. Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy meal or a simple comfort food to enjoy on a lazy day, khichdi is an excellent choice. This was honestly ready in less than 30 minutes. It was so yummy and satisfying to eat. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you might just discover a new favorite dish that will keep you warm and satisfied for years to come! If you make this let me know how it was in the comments section. Also please do follow my Instagram food page @thelockdowncheff.

Thank you for reading.

Have a nice day!