Dal Palak Khichdi

Dal Palak Khichdi is a comforting and nutritious Indian one-pot meal made with lentils, spinach, and rice, perfect for a wholesome supper. Packed with protein and fiber, it combines the earthy flavors of spices with the freshness of greens.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1/2 cup
• Yellow moong dal - 1/2 cup
• Fresh spinach (palak) - 2 cups, chopped
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 4 cups
• Ghee or oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Wash the basmati rice and yellow moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for about 15 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the ginger, garlic, and green chili, cooking for another minute.
4. Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until it softens, then add turmeric powder and salt.
5. Add the soaked rice and dal to the pot, stirring well to combine with the spices.
6. Add the chopped spinach and mix everything together. Pour in the 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
7. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 3 whistles. If using a pot, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice and dal are soft.
8. Once cooked, stir in the garam masala and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein due to the combination of lentils and rice.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from spinach, promoting overall health.

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