Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe: Easy, Nourishing, and Gut-Friendly Meal
Why This Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe Works
When you need a comforting, quick meal that’s easy on the stomach and loaded with nutrition, Moong Dal Khichdi is your answer. This easy khichdi recipe is a one-pot wonder perfect for those recovering from illness, toddlers, or anyone craving clean, wholesome food.
Prep Secrets
- Soaking lentils and rice for 30 minutes reduces cook time and boosts digestibility.
- Pre-chopping all veggies streamlines the process.
Cooking Science
- Moong dal is low in fat and high in protein, ideal for a detox diet.
- Cooking with turmeric, ginger, and cumin adds anti-inflammatory benefits and boosts immunity.
- Pressure cooking retains nutrients and saves time.
Pro Ingredient Hacks
- Lentils: Stick with yellow moong dal for best results, or try masoor with adjustments.
- Rice: Basmati and short-grain work well.
- Veggies: Add peas, potato (optional), carrots, spinach, or cauliflower to make it nutrient-rich.
- Fat: Ghee adds flavor and aids digestion. Use oil for a vegan version.
- Spices: Hing (asafoetida) enhances digestion; skip for gluten-free diets.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep
- Rinse & soak: ½ cup moong dal + ½ cup rice, 30 mins
- Chop: Onion, tomato, green chili, ginger, optional coriander
Sauté
- Heat 2 tbsp ghee/oil in pressure cooker
- Add 1 tsp cumin seeds—let them splutter
- Add onions, sauté till translucent
- Mix in tomatoes, green chili, ginger
- Add turmeric & optional hing, sauté till tomatoes soften
Cook
- 6. Add soaked rice and lentils, and mix well
- 7. Add salt and 3.5 cups water
- 8. Pressure cook for 8–9 mins (7–8 whistles)
- 9. Open after pressure releases, stir
- 10. Adjust consistency with hot water if needed
Serve
- Garnish with ghee if required
- Pair with curd, papad, and pickle
For Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for steps 1–5, pressure cook on High for 9 mins
For Pan Cooking: Add 4–4.5 cups water, cover, and simmer until soft
Perfect Pairings
As they say, Khichdi ke chaar yaar (four friends of khichdi):
- Curd—cools the body
- Papad—adds crunch
- Pickle—gives a spicy-sour kick
- Ghee—enhances flavor & aids digestion
Moong Dal Khichdi FAQs
Q1: Is khichdi good for digestion?
Yes! It’s one of the most digestible Indian meals, recommended during illness or recovery.
Q2: Can I give khichdi to a baby?
Absolutely. Just skip spices and salt to make it baby-safe.
Q3: Is moong dal khichdi gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you skip asafoetida or use a gluten-free version.
Q4: Can I lose weight eating khichdi?
Khichdi is light and high in protein and fiber. Use more lentils and less rice to make it more weight-loss friendly, or use brown rice and adjust cooking time.
Q5: How to store leftover khichdi?
Refrigerate for 1 day in an airtight container. Add a little water and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave to bring back the texture.