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    Home » Recipe » Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free)

    Posted on: Jan 28, 2022 · Modified: Jan 30, 2023 by honeywhatscooking · 6 Comments

    Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free)

    20 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This Khichdi recipe is a simple dish made with rice and lentils. It's delicious and so comforting. Khichdi makes the perfect weeknight meal.
    Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free, 6 ingredients)

    Since I've had my baby boy (now 13 months), I've been eating a lot more Khichdi. Khichdi is the first type of solid food for babies and most of them seem to love it. Additionally, it's a super quick and easy recipe for busy (and tired) moms.

    This type of khichdi is made with the most minimal ingredients and I call this type of khichdi, Plain Khichdi.

    Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free, 6 ingredients)

    What is Khichdi?

    Khichdi is prepared with rice and lentils, along with a few basic spices. For this Khichdi recipe, I used moong dal and white basmati rice. I refer to this type of khicidi as Plain Khichdi because it's simple, yet delicious.

    To make Moong Dal Khicidi, I highly recommned using butter, just a tablespoon will do. A little butter goes a long way, trust me. Alternatively, you may use ghee if you prefer the flavor of ghee to butter.

    What are the benefits of Khichdi?

    One of the main benefits of khichdi is that it's light and easy to digest. Additionally, it's loaded with nutrients while being delicious too.

    Growing up, my mom made khichdi for us when we were sick because it's so warm and comforting. Of course, nowadays I don't just eat it when I'm sick, I love eating it when I want something that warms my soul. This plain khichdi recipe is so good for you.

    The best thing about khichdi is that there's literally no chopping or work involved and that's why this recipe is a busy mom's favorite. Khichdi makes the perfect weeknight meal.

    How much water should I add to my Plain Khichdi Recipe?

    Growing up, my mom always made khichdi slightly runny, and that's how I like mine. For my version of this Instant Pot Khichdi Recipe, go ahead and add 4 cups of water. Once the khichdi is cooked, I add another 1 cup of water. My ratio of rice/lentils to water is 1:5.

    Can I make this Khichdi recipe vegan, gluten-free?

    Sure!

    For vegan: simply replace the butter with oil or vegan butter. Additionally, replace a dollop of butter on top with vegan butter or omit.

    For gluten-free: make sure you use gluten-free asafoetida (hing). Yes, many people are unaware that hing contains gluten.

    Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free, 6 ingredients)

    What can I serve with Plain Khichdi?

    • My favorite way to enjoy Plain Khichdi is with just a dollop of butter. That's it. Simple and delicious.
    • Other times, I also love adding butter and red garlic chutney from the Desi store - it's divine.
    • Yogurt is delicious with Khichdi too, but with Plain Khichdi, I just prefer butter over yogurt.
    • Always serve Khichdi with papad, it's the best!

    Tips on making Moong Dal Khichdi:

    • Wash and rinse the rice and lentils well.
    • Soak the rice and lentils for at least 30 minutes.
    • Rinse the rice and lentils again, and set them aside.
    • Saute a few basic spices in the Instant Pot.
    • Add the rice and lentils. Add the water. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
    • Add another cup of water for a more runny consistency, and you're done.

    Ingredients you’ll need for this Khichdi Recipe:

    Basmati Rice: I love Tilda white basmati rice. It's my favorite.

    Moong Dal: This is also known as split petite yellow lentils and it's a widely popular lentil in India.

    Spices: Asafoetida, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric Powder, Salt.

    Butter: I love using butter over ghee in this recipe because I prefer the taste of it. For a vegan option, you may use vegan butter or oil.

    Water: You will need 4 cups of water to start with, and then you can add another 1 cup for a more runny consistency. I prefer a runny consistency.

    Khichdi recipe is:

    Comforting
    Healthy-ish
    Quick & Easy
    An Instant Pot Recipe
    A Weeknight Meal
    Good for Digestion
    Vegetarian
    Gluten-free option (use gf hing)
    Vegan option (use vegan butter or oil)

    Khichdi Recipe (healthy-ish, gluten-free, 6 ingredients)

    How to make Moong Dal Khichdi recipe step by step?

    Prep

    1. Combine rice and lentils in a bowl. Wash well and drain do this about four times. Soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Once done, wash and rinse well. Set aside.

    Cook

    1. Turn on the Instant Pot, click Saute. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it melts, add asafoetida (hing), cumin seeds, and turmeric powder. Saute for about 30 seconds to a minute. Do not cook this for too long, else the butter will burn.
    2. Add the rinsed rice and lentils. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This will toast up the rice and lentils.
    3. Now add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir.
    4. Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Let the rice and lentils naturally release all the way.
    5. Once the steam has been released, this is what you will have. I personally prefer my Plain Khichdi a little runny, so I like to add some water.
    6. Add a cup of water (cold is fine), and stir. Enjoy with a dollop of butter on top with red garlic chutney (not pictured).

    Pin & Enjoy!

    More Lentils & Khichdi Recipes!

    • Green Moong Dal Khichdi
    • Sabudana Khichdi
    • Spinach Dal Fry
    • Instant Pot Toor Dal Tadka
    • Papad wali Dal
    • Green Moong Dal (Sabut Moong Dal)

    Khichdi Recipe

    Vegetarian, Healthy-ish, Gluten-Free option
    This Khichdi recipe is a simple dish made with rice and lentils. It's delicious and so comforting. Khichdi makes the perfect weeknight meal.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Author: Nisha
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 servings

    Equipment

    Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup moong dal, or split petite yellow lentils
    • ½ cup basmati rice
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 2 pinches asafoetida, hing, or use gluten-free hing
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 4 cups water, for cooking
    • 1 cup water, add after cooking for runny consistency

    Instructions
     

    Prep

    • Combine rice and lentils in a bowl. Wash well and drain do this about four times. Soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Once done, wash and rinse well. Set aside.

    Cook

    • Turn on the Instant Pot, click Saute. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it melts, add asafoetida (hing), cumin seeds, and turmeric powder. Saute for about 30 seconds to a minute. Do not cook this for too long, else the butter will burn.
    • Add the rinsed rice and lentils. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This will toast up the rice and lentils.
    • Now add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir.
    • Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Let the rice and lentils naturally release all the way.
    • Once the steam has been released, this is what you will have. I personally prefer my Plain Khichdi a little runny, so I like to add some water.
    • Add a cup of water (cold is fine), and stir. Enjoy with a dollop of butter on top with red garlic chutney (not pictured).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 631mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 145IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword Instant Pot, Khichdi, Plain Khichdi
    Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vidhi says

      February 01, 2022 at 3:20 am

      4 stars
      What a quick and delicious recipe.

      Reply
    2. Kinjal says

      February 13, 2022 at 1:36 pm

      5 stars
      Loved loved this simple and quick khichadi recipe!! Soo good!

      Reply
    3. Richa says

      March 02, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      Love your recipe!! I enjoyed eating kichadi first time by following this recipe.

      Reply
    4. Hiral says

      November 09, 2022 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy no fuss recipe!! And the butter makes a difference 😊

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        November 09, 2022 at 9:29 pm

        Thanks Hiral. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sanna Pradhan says

      November 27, 2022 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Loved it! So quick and easy 🙂
      Thanks Nisha

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nisha... a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the line, I inspire you to eat better.

    Learn more about me →


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