Olivia Carter
Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish that is known for its simplicity and nutritious value. It is a staple comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Khichdi is made by combining rice, lentils, and various spices, resulting in a wholesome and satisfying meal. While there are different variations of khichdi, the most popular one is the plain khichdi which is cooked in a pressure cooker. Not only does the pressure cooker method save time, but it also helps in retaining the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients.
Preparing khichdi in a pressure cooker is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. You don’t have to be an expert cook to make a delicious khichdi in a pressure cooker. In fact, it is a perfect recipe for beginners who are venturing into the world of cooking.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing khichdi in a pressure cooker. We will also share some tips and tricks to make your khichdi flavorful and appetizing. So, let’s get started and unlock the secrets to making a perfect khichdi in a pressure cooker!
Learn to Cook Delicious Khichdi with a Pressure Cooker
Khichdi is a popular and comforting dish made with rice, lentils, and a variety of spices. It is a one-pot meal that is not only easy to make but also incredibly nutritious. By using a pressure cooker, you can achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful khichdi in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
- Wash the rice and lentils together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in the pressure cooker and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Now, add the chopped tomatoes and green chillies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and pulpy.
- Add the soaked rice and lentils to the pressure cooker along with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the rice and lentils evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the water and give everything a good stir.
- Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle. Then lower the heat and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the khichdi a gentle stir.
- Your delicious khichdi is now ready to be served. Garnish it with some fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or pickle.
Using a pressure cooker to make khichdi not only saves a lot of cooking time but also helps in retaining the nutritional value of the ingredients. The high pressure and steam in the cooker ensures that the rice and lentils are cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy and well-cooked khichdi. So, next time you’re craving for a wholesome and delicious meal, try making khichdi using your pressure cooker!
Gather Your Ingredients
To prepare khichdi in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 1/2 cup of split yellow lentils (also known as moong dal)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
- 4 cups of water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking. Gathering your ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother and enjoyable.
Prepare and Saute the Spices
Once the pressure cooker has cooled down, open the lid and give the khichdi a stir. The rice and lentils should be cooked and mushy. If you find them undercooked, you can add a little more water and pressure cook for another 2-3 minutes.
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add mustard seeds, asafoetida, and dried red chili. Saute for a few seconds until the spices become aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
Next, add minced ginger, minced garlic, and green chili. Saute for a minute until the raw smell disappears and the ginger and garlic become fragrant.
Add chopped onions and saute until they become translucent and start to brown slightly.
Adding the Spice Mix
Now, it’s time to add the spice mix. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well with the sauteed onions and spices. Saute for a minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Final Touches
Pour the sauteed spice mix into the cooked khichdi in the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Check the consistency of the khichdi. If it’s too thick, add a little more water and mix well.
![3-In-1 304 Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker 8 QT: [Explosion-Proof] [3 PSI Settings], One-Hand Locking, Induction Compatible, Glass Lid & Steamer Rack Included, Olla de Presion](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513OnZW6ktL._SS520_.jpg)
Put the lid back on the pressure cooker, making sure it’s securely in place. Cook the khichdi for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, until all the flavors meld together.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Split yellow moong dal | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee or oil | 2 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Asafoetida | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried red chili | 1 |
| Minced ginger | 1 tbsp |
| Minced garlic | 1 tbsp |
| Green chili | 1, slit |
| Chopped onions | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Chopped tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 3 cups |
Add Rice, Lentils and Water to the Pressure Cooker
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for making khichdi, it’s time to start cooking. The first step is to add rice and lentils to the pressure cooker. Take 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of lentils (also known as moong dal) and rinse them well under running water. This helps to remove any impurities and ensures a clean and hygienic meal.
After rinsing the rice and lentils, add them to the pressure cooker. For a traditional khichdi, use a ratio of 1:2 for rice and lentils respectively. This means that for 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water. This ratio ensures that the khichdi has a porridge-like consistency, which is its trademark.
Amount of Water
The next step is to add water to the pressure cooker. As mentioned earlier, for 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of lentils, you will need to add 2 cups of water. The water is important as it helps to cook the rice and lentils to the desired soft and mushy consistency.
After adding the water, stir the rice, lentils, and water together. This is important to ensure that the rice and lentils are evenly coated with water, which helps in the cooking process.
Cooking in a Pressure Cooker
Once the rice, lentils, and water are mixed together, place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place. Set the pressure cooker on medium heat and let it cook for about 3-4 whistles. The number of whistles may vary depending on the type of pressure cooker you are using and the desired consistency of the khichdi.
After the required number of whistles, turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker release the steam naturally. This process helps to further cook the khichdi and allows the flavors to meld together.
Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker and give the khichdi a stir. It should be soft and mushy, with the rice and lentils fully cooked. If the khichdi is too thick, you can add a little more water and stir it to adjust the consistency.
And that’s it! Your khichdi is now ready to be served. It pairs well with a side of yogurt or pickle, and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a comforting breakfast option.
FAQ
What is khichdi?
Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and lentils, usually seasoned with spices and cooked until it has a porridge-like consistency. It is a staple dish in many Indian households and is known for its simplicity and comfort.
Can I make khichdi in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make khichdi in a pressure cooker. Pressure cooking helps to cook the rice and lentils quickly and evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked khichdi in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods.
