Nourishing Moong Dal Khichdi: A Festive North Indian Recipe

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4.20 from 5 votes

About Nourishing Moong Dal Khichdi: A Festive North Indian Recipe

Celebrate Makar Sankranti with this heartwarming and flavorful Moong Dal Khichdi, a comforting North Indian staple perfect for the harvest season. This recipe offers a delicious twist on the traditional khichdi, using easily digestible moong dal (split yellow lentils) instead of urad dal, and incorporating a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Unlike other khichdi recipes, this version is enriched with cauliflower, green peas, and carrots, making it a complete and satisfying dish. It's a perfect way to honor the abundance of the harvest while enjoying a simple yet elegant vegetarian meal suitable for any time of day.
My personal touch? I’ve chosen moong dal for its gentle digestibility, making it perfect for all ages. The blend of spices and fresh vegetables creates a delightful aroma and flavor profile that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep30 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total1 hour
Calories178 kcal
Serves4
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Grains & Lentils

  • 2 cup Rice basmati rice recommended
  • 1 cup Mung Bean split yellow lentils; also known as chilka

Vegetables

  • 6 florets Cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup Peas fresh or frozen, green
  • 1 medium Carrot finely chopped
  • 1 medium Beans finely chopped, green

Spices & Aromatics

Fats & Liquids

Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Rinse the rice and moong dal thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Finely chop the vegetables (carrot, green beans, ginger, and green chilies).

Sauté the Spices and Aromatics

  • Heat the ghee and vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot over medium heat. Add the bay leaves, cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Vegetables

  • Add the asafoetida (hing), ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the cauliflower, carrots, and green beans. Cook covered for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Combine and Simmer

  • Add the soaked rice and moong dal to the pan. Stir well to combine. Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the rice and dal are cooked through and the khichdi has reached your desired consistency. If you prefer a mushier khichdi, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup more water and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

  • Serve the khichdi hot, garnished with a dollop of extra ghee. Enjoy with raita (yogurt dip) and papadums (crispy lentil wafers), if desired.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Khichdi

  • For a richer flavor, toast the cumin seeds and spices lightly before adding them to the oil.
  • Adjust the amount of water according to your preference for the consistency of the khichdi. Some prefer it slightly soupy, while others like it drier.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped tomatoes, spinach, or potatoes, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
  • If using frozen peas, add them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.20 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1g

Tanu Nigam
Tanu Nigam
Articles: 81
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4.20 from 5 votes

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