Pasta Khichdi

Pasta Khichdi is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian khichdi and Italian pasta, combining the comforting texture of lentils and rice with the heartiness of pasta. This vegan dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 100 grams
• Moong dal (split yellow lentils) - 50 grams
• Basmati rice - 50 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth or water - 500 ml
• Spinach - 50 grams, chopped
• Coriander leaves - a handful, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the moong dal and basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear; set aside.
2. In a pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped tomato, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed moong dal and basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat in the spice mixture.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7. While the dal and rice are cooking, cook the whole wheat pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Once the dal and rice are cooked, add the chopped spinach and cooked pasta to the pot. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
9. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from lentils, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining gut health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from spinach and tomatoes, supporting overall health.

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