Comforting Chana Dal Khichri: A Wholesome Indian Rice and Lentil Dish
20 minutes
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About Comforting Chana Dal Khichri: A Wholesome Indian Rice and Lentil Dish
Indulge in the warmth and flavor of Chana Dal Khichri, a traditional Indian one-pot wonder. This hearty and nutritious dish combines tender rice with protein-packed chana dal (split chickpeas), creating a comforting base for a delicious and satisfying meal. The subtle spice blend, creamy yogurt, and crunchy cashews elevate this simple recipe to a culinary delight.Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, Chana Dal Khichri is easily customizable to your taste. Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you feeling nourished and content.This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Indian cuisine, offering a balanced and flavorful meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!
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Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total20 minutes
Ingredients
Grains & Legumes
- 1 cup Basmati Rice soaked for at least 30 minutes
- 1 cup Split Chickpea soaked for at least 30 minutes, split chickpeas
Dairy & Spices
- 1/2 cup Yogurt also known as curd
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
Aromatics & Flavorings
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp Ghee clarified butter
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Whole Spices
- 5 Peppercorns whole
- 2 Cardamom Pods elaichi, green cardamom pods
- 4 Cloves whole
- 2 Bay Leaves tej patta
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick
Liquid
- 3-4 cup Water or as needed
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Soak the basmati rice and chana dal in separate bowls of water for at least 30 minutes.
- Finely chop the green chilies and ginger. Chop the coriander leaves.
Sauté the Spices and Aromatics
- Heat the ghee and vegetable oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
- Add the whole spices (peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick) and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the cashews and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Cook the Chana Dal
- Add the finely chopped green chilies and ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the chana dal, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 3 cups of water, bring to a simmer, and then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chana dal is partially cooked.
Incorporate Yogurt and Rice
- Whisk the yogurt to make it smooth and then gently stir it into the partially cooked chana dal.
- Add the soaked rice and stir well to combine. Add additional water (up to 1 cup more) if needed, ensuring the liquid covers the rice and dal by about an inch.
Simmer and Finish
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the raisins and garam masala.
- Gently mix in 1 teaspoon of ghee. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve
- Serve the Chana Dal Khichri hot, as a comforting and nutritious meal.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chana Dal Khichri
- For a richer flavor, toast the chana dal lightly in a dry pan before soaking.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder khichri, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of tanginess.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as chopped carrots, peas, or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 17gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 25.8gSodium: 570mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Chandu Pugalia
Articles: 23
4 Comments
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This looks incredible! I need to try it.
This looks so inviting! Thank you.
Looks so delectable! Thanks for posting.
I’m eager to make this recipe!