How To Make Dal Khichdi In Microwave Oven

Microwave ovens have become an essential part of modern kitchens, as they offer convenience and efficiency in cooking. One dish that can be easily prepared in a microwave oven is Dal Khichdi, a popular Indian comfort food. Dal Khichdi is a wholesome dish made with rice, lentils, and an assortment of aromatic spices. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal.

To make Dal Khichdi in a microwave oven, begin by washing and soaking the rice and lentils separately. This step helps in removing any impurities and also aids in the cooking process. While the rice and lentils are soaking, you can prepare the tempering with ghee, cumin seeds, and other spices. The tempering adds a burst of flavor to the dish and enhances its taste.

Once the tempering is ready, drain the water from the soaked rice and lentils and add them to a microwave-safe bowl. Pour water and the prepared tempering over the rice and lentils, ensuring that they are completely covered. Add salt to taste and give it a gentle stir. Place the bowl in the microwave oven and cook on high power for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked.

After the cooking time is complete, allow the Dal Khichdi to rest for a few minutes before fluffing it up with a fork. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Dal Khichdi pairs well with yogurt, pickle, or papad, making it a complete meal on its own or a comforting accompaniment.

With a microwave oven, you can enjoy homemade Dal Khichdi in no time. It is a perfect dish for those busy days when you need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, next time you crave this Indian comfort food, give the microwave oven method a try and enjoy the deliciousness of Dal Khichdi.

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How to Prepare Dal Khichdi in Microwave Oven

Dal Khichdi is a popular and nutritious Indian dish made with lentils, rice, and an assortment of Indian spices. Traditionally, it is cooked on a stovetop, but if you don’t have access to one or simply prefer the convenience of a microwave oven, you can easily prepare it in the microwave as well. Here is a simple recipe to help you make delicious Dal Khichdi using a microwave oven.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/4 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the washed rice and dal in water for about 30 minutes.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the ghee for 1 minute on high power.
3. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot ghee. Microwave for another 1 minute on high power or until the seeds splutter.
4. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes on high power or until the onions turn translucent.
5. Drain the soaked rice and dal and add them to the bowl. Microwave for 1 minute on high power.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix well. Microwave for 1 more minute on high power.
7. Pour 3 cups of water into the bowl and stir everything together. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
8. Microwave on high power for 10 minutes.
9. After 10 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
10. Give the khichdi a gentle stir and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
11. Your delicious Dal Khichdi is now ready to be served hot. Enjoy it with yogurt, pickle, or papad!

Preparing Dal Khichdi in a microwave oven is not only quick and easy, but it also retains the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. It’s a great option for a wholesome and comforting meal. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of traditional Indian cuisine right at home!

Ingredients for Dal Khichdi

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Dal Khichdi:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chillies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnishing)

These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores and are commonly used in Indian cooking. Make sure to wash the rice and lentils thoroughly before cooking.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences by adding more or less chilli powder and green chillies.
• If you don’t have ghee, you can use vegetable oil instead.
• Adding chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes can also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the Khichdi.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Dal Khichdi

Dal khichdi is a popular Indian rice and lentil dish that is easy to make in a microwave oven. Here is a step-by-step procedure to prepare this delicious and nutritious dish:

Step 1: Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram lentils)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 4 cups water
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Step 2: Preparation

Wash the rice and moong dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes and then drain.

Step 3: Cooking

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the oil or ghee on high setting for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds and microwave for another minute until they splutter.

Add the chopped onions, green chili, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the bowl. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

Now add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Microwave on high for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

Next, add the soaked and drained rice and moong dal to the bowl. Mix well with the onion and tomato mixture. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Pour in the water and mix everything together. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 15 minutes.

Take out the bowl and stir the khichdi gently. Microwave on high for another 10-15 minutes or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the khichdi has a porridge-like consistency.

Step 4: Serving

Garnish the dal khichdi with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or papad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your homemade dal khichdi!

Tips and Variations for Dal Khichdi

While making dal khichdi in a microwave oven, there are a few tips and variations that can enhance the taste and texture of the dish:

1. Spice Level:

You can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a mild flavour, reduce the amount of green chillies or skip them altogether. If you enjoy a spicier taste, add a few extra green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder.

2. Vegetables:

Dal khichdi can be made with various vegetables to make it more nutritious and flavourful. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach. Cut the vegetables into small pieces so that they cook evenly in the microwave.

3. Lentils:

Traditionally, dal khichdi is made with split yellow moong dal. However, you can experiment with different lentils like masoor dal (red lentils) or toor dal (pigeon peas) to give the dish a unique taste and texture.

4. Tempering:

The tempering or tadka is an important step in making dal khichdi. You can customize the tempering by adding spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, or bay leaves. This will enhance the flavour and aroma of the dish.

5. Garnish:

Before serving, garnish the dal khichdi with some freshly chopped coriander leaves. This will not only add a pop of colour to the dish but also enhance its taste.

6. Serving Suggestions:

Dal khichdi can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of raita, pickle, or papad. You can also pair it with some plain yogurt or a salad for a complete meal.

7. Adjusting Cooking Time:

The cooking time mentioned in the recipe is a guideline and may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. If your khichdi is not cooked through, you can microwave it for an additional minute or two until the lentils and rice are fully cooked.

Serving and Storing Dal Khichdi

Once the Dal Khichdi is cooked and ready, it can be served hot and enjoyed immediately. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Transfer the Dal Khichdi to a serving bowl or plate.
• Garnish the dish with some freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve it with some plain yogurt or raita on the side.
• You can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top for a tangy kick.
• Accompany it with some papad, pickle, or chutney for added flavor.

If you have leftovers, you can store the Dal Khichdi for later use. Follow these steps:

1. Allow the Dal Khichdi to cool down to room temperature.
2. Transfer it to an airtight container.
3. Refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days.
4. To reheat it, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat it for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Stir well before serving to distribute the heat evenly.

Remember to discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

FAQ

What is dal khichdi?

Dal khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and lentils, usually flavored with spices and cooked until creamy and aromatic.

Can dal khichdi be made in a microwave oven?

Yes, dal khichdi can be made in a microwave oven. It is a convenient and quick method of cooking dal khichdi.

What are the ingredients required to make dal khichdi in a microwave oven?

The ingredients required to make dal khichdi in a microwave oven are rice, lentils (such as moong dal or toor dal), water, ghee or oil, cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, green chili, turmeric powder, salt, and optional vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes.