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Millet Khichdi: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Health-Conscious Eaters

What is the first thing you are reminded of when you hear the word khichdi? Instantly, we think of a homely rice and lentil dish cooked to perfection with a spoonful of ghee. It is quite a simple dish but nevertheless, we often reminisce about the comfort it provides. Millet khichdi is another variation of the classic dish. It is healthy, modern and filling. With this recipe, you can easily create the wholesome millet ki khichadi the next time you are craving a nutritious home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:
    1. Mixed millets (foxtail, little, and kodo): 1 cup
    2. Split Yellow moong dal: ½ cup
    3. Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
    4. Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
    5. Garam masala: ½ teaspoon
    6. Salt: to taste

  • Wet Ingredients:
    1. Ghee: 2 tablespoons
    2. Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
    3. Tomato (finely chopped): 1 medium
    4. Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans): 1 cup
    5. Water: 2 cups
    6. Fresh coriander leaves (chopped): for garnish
    7. Green chillies (slit): 2 pieces
    8. Ginger-garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
Methods

Methods

Here’s the recipe on how to make millet khichdi at home:

    Step 1: Firstly, take a bowl and add in a cup of millet with the yellow moong dal. Rinse this under running water thoroughly to get any dirt out. Let this soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

    Step 2: Till the millets and dal are soaking; quickly chop your veggies into small pieces. For perspective, you may need to chop tomatoes, onions, french beans and carrots. Slit the green chillies into two and set them aside as well.

    Step 3: As you start to cook, set a pressure cooker or pot on the stove. Heat some ghee in it and carefully add the cumin seeds. When you hear them splutter, add in the onions with split green chillies. Saute them until translucent. Quickly follow with some ginger garlic paste and chopped tomatoes with the rest of your spices. Saute the masala once more until the tomatoes release their juices and break down. Add the rest of the vegetables to this mix and let it cook for at least 2 to 3 more minutes.

    Step 4: Drain the liquid from the soaked dal and millets with a sieve. Once done, transfer them to the pressure cooker carefully. Follow this up quickly with cups of water and a pinch of salt. Stir all of the millet khichdi ingredients until well combined.

    Step 5: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 2 to 3 whistles. If you’re using a pot, you may need to let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the ingredients are tender.

    Step 6: Once done, fluff and serve!


Health Benefits of Millets

The true benefits of the millet khichdi depend on the type of grains you use. They are a nutritious bunch in general. Millets are exceptional sources of fibre and a range of minerals. These help with digestive health and maintain the overall well-being of the body.
On the other hand, dals are a packet full of sustenance for individuals looking for plant-based protein in their diet. Moreover, the addition of vegetables to your millet khichdi recipe is simply a cherry on top. They help provide you with the vitamins and minerals you may need for growth and development.

Serving suggestions and variations

Each household has its own unique take on khichdi. You can attempt to make millet dal khichdi at home similarly.

Traditionally, khichdi is often served with a dollop of ghee on top with a side of pickle to boost the flavours of the dish.
You may also pair the dish with a fresh yoghurt raita with a handful of pomegranate seeds for a twist.
If you’re in the mood to indulge, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of shredded cheese over your serving bowl.
Turning this millet khichdi recipe into a spinach-based dish won’t take you long. Simply add some blended, blanched spinach puree to your dish while cooking to make delicious palak millet khichdi.

A dish that has a hearty essence that can quickly remind you of home is khichdi, undoubtedly. Millet khichdi can prove to be your quintessential comfort food in such situations. You may whip up a batch or two of this dish if you need a slow one-pot home-cooked meal without compromising on your dietary restrictions. That is the magic of millet khichdi for you.