Moong Dal Khichdi

I was never a Khichdi fan! I think the way it looks always put me off and I haven't tried tasting either. Talk about prejudice! But this has to be one of the easiest and most nutritious, baby friendly recipes. So I keep making it for my son and eventually have taken a strong liking to it as well. What a comfort food! Can't believe I kept ignoring it all this while… 

If you are in a hurry and you have to cook up a healthy as well as a tasty meal then this is the one to go for. There are many variations but this simple recipe is what I enjoy the most. It is definitely a one pot meal :)

Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Moong dal - 1/4 cup
• Basmati rice - 1/4 cup
• Water - 1.5 cups
• Onion - 1 small. finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 or 3 cloves, crushed
• Green chilly - 1 slit
• Tomato - 1 small, finely chopped
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Asafoetida - a large pinch
• Red chili powder - 1/4 tsp
• Cilantro - to garnish
• Salt to taste
• Ghee - 1 tbsp

Method:

• Wash the dal and rice and soak it together for at least 30 mins.
• Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. When hot add the cumin, followed by the garlic, onion and the green chili. Saute till the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the turmeric, red chili and asafoetida. Stir well.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Saute till the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
• Drain the dal and rice and add it to the tomatoes. Stir a couple of times till the grains are well coated.
• Pour the water and mix well. Do a taste test. If the salt is less add more.
• Let it come to a boil. Then put on the lid and cook on low flame for 5 - 6 whistles.
• Once the pressure is off, open the lid and gently mix. If at this point you feel its too mushy you can add some more water and just heat it through. 
• Garnish with coriander, drizzle some more ghee and serve hot; accompanied by raita and pickle.

Linking this to the event: My Legume Affair hosted by Lisa and Susan.