Chana Dal Khichdi: Simple & Flavorful Indian One-Pot Recipe
35 minutes
835 reads

About Chana Dal Khichdi: Simple & Flavorful Indian One-Pot Recipe
Comfort food at its finest! This Chana Dal Khichdi recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful Indian one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a wholesome, satisfying dish. The earthy chana dal (split chickpeas) and fragrant basmati rice blend beautifully with subtle spices, creating a culinary experience that's both simple and deeply satisfying.This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference and experiment with different garnishes. A dollop of ghee, a squeeze of lemon, or a side of refreshing yogurt will elevate this dish to new heights.Packed with protein and fiber, Chana Dal Khichdi is a nutritious and delicious choice for lunch or dinner. Get ready to experience the authentic taste of India in your own kitchen!
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
Grains & Legumes
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 1/2 cup Split Chickpea split chickpeas; rinse thoroughly
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 Onion large, sliced
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera
- 1 tsp Chili finely chopped, green, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
Fats & Liquids
Seasoning
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tbsp Coriander chopped, or mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse the chana dal and basmati rice thoroughly under cold water. Soak both for at least 10 minutes. While soaking, prepare your onion by slicing it.
Sauté the Onions
- Heat the ghee in a pot or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sautéed onions and set aside. Keep some ghee in the pan.
Cook the Dal
- Add cumin seeds to the remaining ghee in the pan and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add green chilies and sauté for another minute. Stir in the drained chana dal and 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, partially covered.
Combine and Simmer
- Add the drained rice, salt, and red chili powder to the dal. Stir well to combine. Add the remaining 1 cup of water (or more, if needed for desired consistency). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and dal are cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish and Serve
- Stir in the sautéed onions and garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves. Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of ghee, lemon juice, or yogurt.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chana Dal Khichdi
- For a creamier khichdi, use a higher ratio of chana dal to rice.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Soaking the dal and rice is crucial for even cooking and prevents a grainy texture.
- Don't lift the lid frequently while simmering, as this can release steam and extend cooking time.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 9gFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 855mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


Such a perfect dish! Thank you.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.
This is so tempting! Can’t wait to cook it.
This looks perfect! Thanks for posting.
Such a lovely dish! Thanks for sharing.