Karnataka Khichdi

Karnataka Khichdi is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring rice, lentils, and a medley of spices, making it a perfect brunch dish. This wholesome dish is enhanced with fresh vegetables and tempered with aromatic spices, providing a delightful taste of Karnataka's culinary heritage.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1/2 cup
• Moong dal (split yellow lentils) - 1/4 cup
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) - 1 cup, chopped
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Ghee or oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 4 cups

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice and moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pressure cooker or pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; let them splutter.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Then add the grated ginger and slit green chili, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the chopped tomato and sauté until it softens. Stir in turmeric powder and garam masala, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
6. Add the drained rice and moong dal to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Pour in 4 cups of water and add salt to taste. Stir everything together.
8. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. If using a pot, cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice and dal are fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally (if using a pressure cooker) or turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the khichdi with a fork.
10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with yogurt or pickles.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables.

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