Chana Dal Khichdi – Meatless Monday

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Chana Dal Khichdi

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I don’t remember as to how and where, I learnt to make this Khichdi. May be a mix and match of so many recipes that I come across or may be out of boredom of eating same old, same old every time! Nonetheless, it is a must try.

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I can vouch that it is just absolutely divine in taste and though Khichdi, it is no less than a Royal Khichdi. If you belong to the category who think that the Khichdi is just for the sick and ailing, then you are in for a treat.

Chana Dal Khichdi
Chana Dal Khichdi

It is a compete one pot meal! Perfect for a lazy weekend lunch or a busy weekday night. Flavors of piping hot Chana Dal Khichdi brighten up any cold, dull and gloomy winter day.

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Combined with some roasted Papad, Ghee ka Tadka, Yogurt, Mango Pickle,  Green Coriander Chutney, Onions and squeeze of Lemon juice, it is just out of this world. It represents true desi khana!

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Made in no time and enjoyed by all, has become a staple in my house. Amit, who runs away from the sight of Khichdi, would take second helpings of this one. My kids, who would prefer pasta over the regular Khichdi, would eat it delightfully!

This is how I made it!

Chana Dal Khichdi

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Chana Dal Khichdi
Chana Dal Khichdi

Kitchen Equipments Required

Chopping board, knife, a medium bowl to soak, a pressure cooker or a sauce pan with lid, cooking spoon or ladle, a small pan to make tadka/Chhaunk.

Ingredients

Basmati Rice – 1/2 cup

Chana Dal – 1/2 cup

Ginger – 1 tsp, finely chopped

Onions – 1/2 cup, thinly sliced

Water – 4 cups

Coriander / Cilantro Leaves for garnish

Lemon juice to add later

Oil & Spices

Ghee – 1/2 tbsp

Cumin Seeds – 1/2 tsp

Bay Leaf – 1 small

Cinnamon stick – 1 small

Red Chili, whole & dry – 1

Cloves – 2

Black pepper corns – 4

Turmeric – 1/2 tsp

Red chili powder – 1/4 tsp

Garam Masala – 1/4 tsp

Salt – 1&1/4 tsp or to taste

Sugar – 1 pinch

Tadka / Chhaunk

Ghee –  1 tbsp

Asafetida / Hing – a pinch

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

Red chilli powder – 1/2 tsp

Method

  1. Take a bowl. Add rice and Chana dal to it. Wash it thoroughly and soak in 1&1/2 cups water for 15 minutes.
  2. Take the pressure cooker. Heat 1/2 tbsp ghee in it. Lower the heat and add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, whole red chili, cloves and black pepper corn to it.
  3. Once the cumin seeds start crackling, add ginger and onions to it. Also add the pinch of sugar. Sauté the onions on medium flame till they become golden brown. Adding a pinch of sugar to the onions, help in quick and nice caramelization of the onions. You may skip the sugar as well.
  4. Once the onions are golden, drain the water from soaked rice and dal. Add the rice and dal to the pressure cooker along with turmeric, red chili powder, salt and garam masala. Stir in well and cook for a minute.
  5.  Now add 4 cups of water. Stir well with ladle.
  6. Put the lid of the pressure cooker along with its weight (whistle). Increase the heat to maximum. Cook for 1 whistle and then lower the flame. Cook on summer for 3-5 minutes. Switch off the flame. Let the steam evaporate on its own.
  7. Now remove the weight and open the lid. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
  8. Add chopped coriander leaves. Stir gently.
  9. Pour out in a serving bowl. Top with tadka and serve warm.
  10. Making the Tadka – Heat Ghee in a pan. Lower the flame and add cumin seeds and asafetida to it. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add red chili powder and switch off the flame. It is ready to be poured over Khichdi.

Notes

If you are using the sauce pan instead of pressure cooker, use 6 cups of water. After the first boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook on simmer, till water is evaporated and chan dal is cooked well.

Yet another delectable dish from my Indian American kitchen to yours! Enjoy and Stay Warm!

Sonal

 

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28 Comments

  1. I love Chana dal so this khichdi looks awesome and I also checked your Kala chana curry always looking out to making something different with it

  2. I love Chana dal khichdi and makes exactly same way.Looks totally comforting Sonal.Btw this is the first dish that I learned in school in home science class.

  3. Just found your site and am looking forward to trying some of your recipes. I haven’t made this yet, but have been wanting to use my pressure cooker, which I haven’t used for about 20 years. This looks yummy and I already love khichdi. Thanks for the post.