Instant Pot Khichdi

By Samantha Seneviratne

Published March 24, 2021

Instant Pot Khichdi
Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Total Time
45 minutes
Rating
4(1,113)
Comments
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Khichdi is a comforting and mild South Asian stew typically made with lentils and rice. This version is made with long-grain rice and yellow moong dal (or split mung beans), softened tomatoes and onion, then flavored with a cumin, coriander and turmeric, but each family has their own recipe. To bulk it up, you could add some grated carrot or zucchini with the onion, or wilt baby spinach in at the end. But topped with a drizzle of ghee, some plain yogurt and fresh cilantro, it’s a warming, homey meal just as it is.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • ½cup petit yellow moong dal
  • ½cup long-grain white rice
  • 2tablespoons ghee, plus more melted ghee for drizzling
  • 1small yellow onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
  • 1tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1½teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1½teaspoons coriander seeds
  • ½teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2small plum tomatoes, chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Yogurt and cilantro, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

179 calories; 8 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 24 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 221 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the dal and rice. Add water until covered.

  2. Step 2

    Set the electric pressure cooker to sauté and melt 2 tablespoons ghee. Add the onion, ginger, cumin, coriander and turmeric to the pressure cooker and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Season with 2 teaspoons salt.

  4. Step 4

    Drain the dal mixture and add it to the pressure cooker. Add 4 cups water, cover, and set the electric pressure cooker for 15 minutes on low pressure. It will take a couple of minutes for it to come to pressure.

  5. Step 5

    When the time is up, immediately release the pressure. Carefully open the lid and season to taste with salt.

  6. Step 6

    Divide among bowls. Drizzle with ghee, then top with yogurt and cilantro to serve.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
1,113 user ratings
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Comments

Rebecca Anne

It would be nice to have the instructions for the stovetop. Not everyone has a pressure cooker.

Nate

Perhaps clicking on a recipe with the words "Instant Pot" in the title isn't the best place to look. If you type "Khichdi" in the search bar, there appears to be a very solid Tejal Rao recipe for a stovetop version.

Asma Mahmood

There r many ways to make Khichrdi and my recepie ends up looking like Pilaf more then a soggy lental. Its made on stove , quick and easy . Fry onions till golden, add whole black Pepper, cloves, stick of cinnamon quarter tsp cumin seeds fry & add enough water to soak the rice and split mong with skin on. Add presoaked rice &mong 1 cup each add salt& cook on very low heat...Enjoy with yogert..its our comfort food and easily digestable so given when convelesing. Can substitute water with broth.

Avani

needs green chilies and significantly more salt

Andrea

I have made this multiple times and absolutely love it! Because I am not a vegetarian I substitute bone broth for the water and I love the flavor that it brings. I also use ground spices. I don’t like the whole spices, and I love the flavor that the ground spices give to the dish. This is a staple in my house.

Landry

Such a great comforting dish, and really good for babies and toddlers as well. I doubled it and only used 75% of the water (6 cups) because I like it a little less soupy. This way it was more like thick oatmeal. Served with cilantro, lemon, yogurt, and grilled zucchini.

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