Khichari is a mix of lentils and rice with some fundamental Indian flavors. Normally, it’s stuffed with garlic, onions, and potatoes. But you have the option to garnish it with any sort of veggies.
As such, khichari is known to be an Indian dish as risotto is to Italy. Every culture and location in India has its own unique way of preparing khichari.
You can simply make this recipe by using any lentil and as well any veggies you choose. khichari is actually an instant pot meal, and you can munch it with papadum, pickle, plain yogurt, or cumin-flavored buttermilk.
Khichari Ingredients
- 1 cup of Basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons of sliced skinless Masoor dal
- 3 tablespoons of yellow split mung dal
- 2 tablespoons of green-skinned split mung dal
- 2 tablespoons of toor dal or split yellow pigeon peas
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic, garlic paste is also recommended
- 2 teaspoons of grated ginger or the paste
- 2 medium-sized chopped onions
- 1/3 cup of refrigerated peas
- 1/3 cup of iced green pigeon peas (this one is not compulsory, and can be found at Indian grocery stores)
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 cup of cauliflower
- 1 medium chopped carrot
- 1.5 teaspoons of red chili pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 2 – 3 tablespoons of peanuts
- 1/2 chopped raw mango with skin (though optional)
- Add salt to taste
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Directions
#1 Wash and soak the rice and lentils for approximately 30 minutes
#2 Heat the ghee in an airtight pot or a crockpot in medium-high heat, and when the ghee is very hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crack.
#3 After the mustard seed cracks or pops, add garlic with ginger, and onions. Allow it to saute for about 10 minutes till the onions get glassy or colorless.
#4 Add other veggies step by step while turning gently for a few seconds.
#5 After that, eliminate the water from the rice and lentil blend and then add it to the veggies, allow it to cook for about 10 seconds. You can actually toast the blend of rice and lentil in another skillet separately if you so desire, but it’s not really a necessity.
#6 When it has cooked for about 5 minutes, add the dry spices, raw mango slices, peanuts, salt to taste, and add approximately 2 cups of water and blend well.
#7 When you have added these ingredients, allow it to saute for about 30 minutes. But if you making use of a pressure cooker or crockpot, then cook for 15 minutes instead. When it’s done or ready, bring it down from the heat, and allow the pressure cooker cover to still be closed; don’t open it immediately. Open the pot when it’s relaxed for about 10 – 12 minutes.
#8 Yummy! Your Khichari recipe is ready to be munched. Serve it steaming hot with plain yogurt and only by itself with a spoonful of ghee. khichari can also be enjoyed with a creamy yogurt called Kadhi.
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