Khichdi is a dish that speaks volumes about the wealth of nutrition that has been passed down through generations of India. The combination of rice and lentils has already been pegged as one that is sustainable as well as healthy. A study published in The Lancet in January 2019 said that consuming lentils with a side of rice for lunch was a way to reduce your dietary carbon footprint. Indians have been consuming dal-rice as a comfort meal since ages and khichdi brings the two foods together in a beautiful way. The dish is easy-to-make and oh-so-satisfying and can be consumed by people of all ages. In fact, khichdi is the one desi meal we go to, in sickness and in health. Don't we all remember the warm comfort of chowing down on a bowl of hot khichdi while we're down with flu?
It's easy on the stomach and is said to give your digestive system a break, particularly when you're recovering from a bout of food poisoning. However, khichdi is prepared in several different ways with every region of the country putting its own quirk or signature on the dish. As such, there are a number of different ways of preparing this dish and it can be prepared from a variety of different grains - from oats to brown rice and even the beloved sabudana or tapioca pearls and even bulgur or daliya. A lot of people nowadays prefer preparing khichdi from whole grains instead of using white rice, as that helps them load up on more fibre and essential nutrients. Whichever way you choose to prepare it, the comfort and taste of khichdi is unmatched.
Also Read: Khichdi Nutrition: Nutritionist Luke Coutinho Tells Us Why Khichdi Is A Holistic Superfood
Here are 7 of our best khichdi recipes for you to try:
1. Palak Dal Khichdi Recipe
This dish brings together superfood spinach and lentils in a one-pot recipe that is both flavourful and nutritious. This one is for those times when you don't feel like cooking something too elaborate for dinner but are craving something light and comforting.
Also Read: Spinach Recipes: Try These South Indian Recipes That Include The Goodness Of Spinach
2. Arhar Dal Khichdi Recipe
Pigeon peas or arhar dal is commonly found in Indian kitchen cabinets and makes for delicious companion for both rice and chapatis. This recipe brings the familiar taste of arhar together with rice and an assortment of beneficial spices.
3. Ayurvedic Khichdi Recipe
A slightly more modern take on the classic moong dal khichdi recipe, this dish brings together an assortment of vegetables that add both taste and nutrition to the mix.
Also Read: Indian Cooking Hacks: How To Make Low-Fat, Healthy Dal Makhani Without Makhan And Cream
4. Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe
The classic moong dal khichdi is the remedy for flu-season blues. A handful of ingredients get together to make this magical dish that is both light and filling and is sure to instantly make you feel better when you're under the weather.
Also Read: 6 Interesting Ways to Cook With India's Favourite Staple- Moong ki Dal
5. Bajre Ki Khichdi Recipe
Bajra or pearl millet is a whole grain that is rich in fibre and is a more satiating alternative for rice. This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic white rice khichdi and contains dhuli moong dal and a handful of the quintessential Indian spices.
6. Khilli Hui Khichdi Recipe
Three different types of dal - chana dal, arhar dal and moong dal - come together for this stellar khichdi recipe that is spiced with cumin, garam masala, ginger and bay leaves.
7. Achari Murgh Khichdi Recipe
A non-vegetarian twist on the traditional khichdi recipe, this achari murgh khichdi is for meat lovers for an extra kick of protein and, of course, some flavourful chicken. This recipe is as much of a good fit at festive menus, as it is for simple dinners at home.
Also Read: 13 Best Dal Recipes - How to Cook it to Perfection | Popular Dal Recipes
Khichdi is one of the best dishes to prepare, if you're a novice chef and learning the ropes around the kitchen. So. put on your aprons and get cooking!