Khichdi Recipe – Simple, Healthy & Comforting One-Pot Meal

Hello my friend… hope you’re doing well today.
Let’s talk about something simple, warm, and honestly—very close to heart. You know that food which feels like a hug? Yes, Khichdi is exactly that. A humble one-pot meal that has fed generations, healed colds, calmed upset stomachs, and saved students who didn’t know anything about cooking. Trust me, I’ve been there too.

And today, I’ll walk you through this Khichdi Recipe in the most real, friendly way—like we’re cooking together in your kitchen, chatting, tasting, adjusting, and enjoying the aroma as it fills the room.

So… ready? Let’s make some magic with dal, rice, and simple spices.

Introduction: Why Khichdi Recipe Is Not Just Food

Khichdi is honestly one of the most underrated dishes in Indian cooking. People think it’s sick-day food… but no brother, it’s way more.
When you eat a freshly cooked bowl—soft rice, creamy dal, a hint of ghee on top… it hits differently.

It’s comforting, wholesome, light, and super easy to digest. Even kids, elders, gym lovers, or anyone wanting a healthy meal can enjoy it without thinking twice.

You don’t need heavy spices. You don’t need fancy ingredients. You just need a pot, some dal, some rice… and a little patience.

And the best part?
It’s almost impossible to go wrong with it.

Khichdi Recipe Equipment You Need

Let’s keep it simple, okay? You don’t need professional chef tools.

• Pressure cooker or deep pot (trust me, cooker is faster)
• A ladle or wooden spoon
• Measuring cup (but honestly… we eyeball things at home)
• A small pan for tempering (optional but worth it)
• Strainer to wash rice and dal

That’s it. Minimal fuss.

Khichdi Recipe Ingredients

I’ll give you the typical ingredients—though every house tweaks it a little. Add veggies if you like, or keep it plain.

Main Ingredients

• ½ cup rice (any variety works, but medium-grain tastes best)
• ½ cup moong dal (yellow split is perfect)
• 3–3.5 cups water (adjust according to how soft you want it)
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

Tempering (Tadka) Ingredients

• 1–2 tbsp ghee (don’t skip… it gives soul to khichdi)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• A pinch of hing (optional but great)
• 1–2 green chillies (slit — depends on your mood)
• 1 small onion (optional, many skip it)
• 1 small tomato (optional)

Optional Veggies

• Potato cubes
• Carrots
• Green peas
• Beans
• Spinach

Some people make it plain, some fancy. Your call.

Khichdi Recipe Cooking Method

This is exactly how I make it at home, without any drama.

Step 1 — Wash Everything

Take your rice and dal together in a bowl.
Wash them 2–3 times until water looks almost clear.
This removes extra starch and gives a better texture.

Step 2 — Soak (optional but smart)

Even 10 minutes of soaking helps everything cook softer.

Step 3 — Start the Base

Heat ghee in a cooker.
Let it melt slowly… that aroma will already start making you hungry.

Add cumin seeds. They’ll crackle—nice sound.
Add hing. Then add onion (if you’re using).
Sauté a bit. Don’t let it burn.

Add green chillies and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften a little.

Step 4 — Add Spices & Veggies

Add turmeric.
Add your veggies if using.
Mix well for a minute or two.

Step 5 — Add Dal & Rice

Pour your soaked dal-rice mixture into the cooker.
Give it a gentle stir.

Add salt.
Add water (3 cups for soft, 3.5–4 cups for mushy).

Step 6 — Pressure Cook

Close the lid and cook for:

• 3 whistles on medium flame
  or
• 12–15 minutes on a pot with lid

After whistle, let it release naturally.
Don’t rush—Khichdi Recipe cooks best with patience.

Step 7 — Final Touch

Open the cooker.
If it’s too thick, add hot water and mix.
If it’s too thin… cook a little longer without lid.

Finish with 1 tbsp ghee on top.
Trust me… this step completes the dish.

And that’s it. Your warm bowl of Khichdi is ready.

Varieties of Khichdi Recipe

Khichdi Recipe is flexible like clay. Every state in India has its own version. Here are some popular ones:

1. Moong Dal Khichdi

The classic. Light, easy, perfect for digestion.

2. Masala Khichdi

Same base but with more spices, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes garam masala. More flavourful.

3. Vegetable Khichdi

Add carrots, peas, beans, potatoes — healthy and colourful.

4. Gujarati Khichdi

Soft, buttery, slightly sweetish, usually served with kadhi.

5. Bengali Bhuni Khichuri

Thicker, roasted dal, sometimes with whole spices. Rich aroma.

6. Sabudana Khichdi

A fasting favourite — made with tapioca pearls instead of rice.

7. Bajra or Jowar Khichdi

Millet variation — great for winters and very filling.

8. Palak Dal Khichdi

Add spinach — for extra nutrition.

9. Bisi Bele Bath (South India)

Khichdi with a unique blend of spices and tamarind.

10. Dalia (Broken Wheat) Khichdi

Perfect for weight loss.

Each one has its own personality. Try them slowly… one day at a time.

Health Benefits of Khichdi Recipe

Khichdi isn’t famous for glamour. It’s famous for health.
Here’s why:

1. Easy to digest – perfect for sick days.
2. High in protein – dal + rice = complete protein.
3. Good for gut health – soft texture soothes the stomach.
4. Detox-friendly – plain khichdi is used in Ayurvedic cleansing.
5. Low in spices – gentle on digestion.
6. Rich in carbs + protein combo – gives steady energy.
7. Perfect for toddlers & elders – soft and safe.
8. High fiber (if you add veggies) – helps digestion.
9. Naturally gluten-free – safe for most people.
10. A balanced meal in itself – carbs, protein, fat, fiber… everything.

See? This small bowl does a lot.

Nutrition Chart (Approx for 1 Medium Bowl)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320–350 kcal
Carbohydrates	52 g
Protein	12–14 g
Fat	6–8 g (depends on ghee)
Fiber	5–7 g
Sodium	depends on salt
Potassium	good amount
Iron	decent level

These numbers vary based on your recipe, but this gives you a clear idea.

ALSO READ: Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe | Quick, Creamy & Perfect for Parties

FAQs

1. Is khichdi good for weight loss?

Yes. Make it with more veggies, less ghee, and controlled portion. It keeps you full.

2. Which dal is best for khichdi?

Moong dal is the most common and easiest to digest.

3. Can I make khichdi without a pressure cooker?

Of course. Just cook it in a pot with lid. It takes more time but tastes great.

4. Why is my khichdi too thick?

Add a little hot water and mix. Khichdi thickens naturally after cooling.

5. Can I store khichdi?

Yes… but it tastes best fresh. Still, you can refrigerate for 1 day.

6. Is khichdi okay for babies?

Absolutely. Just avoid salt and chillies.

7. Can I add spices?

Yes brother… customise as you like. Add garam masala or red chilli powder.

8. What to eat with khichdi?

Papad, pickle, curd, kadhi, or even a spoon of ghee.

9. Is khichdi gluten-free?

Yes, naturally.

10. Can gym lovers eat khichdi?

Definitely. Add more dal for extra protein.

Conclusion

So my friend… that’s everything about the comforting Khichdi Recipe.
It’s simple, nourishing, budget-friendly, and honestly — it’s a dish that never fails. Whether you’re tired, hungry, lazy, sick, or just craving something warm… Khichdi Recipe always comes to the rescue.

Next time you cook it, add that little drizzle of ghee and enjoy every bite.
And trust me, once you get comfortable making it, you’ll start creating your own versions too.