Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal, look no further than Chana Dal Khichdi. This traditional Indian dish is made from a combination of rice, lentils, and aromatic spices. It is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it’s easy to make in a pressure cooker, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.
To prepare Chana Dal Khichdi in a pressure cooker, start by soaking the chana dal and rice in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps in easy digestion and ensures that the grains cook evenly. Then, drain the water and set aside the soaked chana dal and rice.
Next, heat ghee or oil in the pressure cooker and add some cumin seeds. Allow the seeds to splutter and release their aroma. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. To enhance the flavor, you can also add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
After that, add the soaked chana dal, rice, and a mix of spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Give it a good stir to coat the grains with the spices. Then, add water and season with salt to taste. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles.
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the khichdi a gentle mix. The chana dal and rice should be perfectly cooked and have a soft texture. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of yogurt or pickle.
Chana Dal Khichdi in a pressure cooker is a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It’s not only a healthy option but also a great way to use pantry staples like rice and lentils. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine?
Step-by-Step Guideline: How to Make Chana Dal Khichdi in a Pressure Cooker
Chana Dal Khichdi is a nutritious and comforting one-pot meal made with a combination of rice, lentils, and spices. It is popular in Indian households and is often prepared for a quick, yet filling dinner. Follow these simple steps to make delicious Chana Dal Khichdi in a pressure cooker.
Step 1: Wash and soak 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of chana dal (split Bengal gram) separately for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) in a pressure cooker. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Step 3: Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
Step 4: Add 2 finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
Step 5: Now, add the soaked rice and chana dal to the pressure cooker. Mix well with the onion and tomato mixture.
Step 6: Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything together.
Step 7: Pour 3 cups of water into the pressure cooker and give it a stir.
Step 8: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and place the weight on top. Cook on high heat until the first whistle. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 9: Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Wait for the steam to escape completely before opening the lid.
Step 10: Your Chana Dal Khichdi is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with yogurt or pickle.
Enjoy your homemade Chana Dal Khichdi!
Ingredients You Will Need
For Chana Dal Khichdi, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana dal | 1 cup |
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom pods | 2 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch |
| Green chilies | 2, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | For garnish |
| Lemon wedges | For serving |
Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start making the Chana Dal Khichdi in a pressure cooker.
Step 1: Soaking the Chana Dal and Rice
To make Chana Dal Khichdi in a pressure cooker, the first step is to soak the chana dal and rice. Start by measuring 1 cup of chana dal and 1 cup of rice.
Transfer the chana dal and rice to a colander or strainer and rinse them thoroughly under running water. This step helps to remove any impurities or debris.
Next, place the washed chana dal and rice in a large bowl and add enough water to cover them completely. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Soaking the dal and rice help in easy cooking and also enhances the texture and flavor of the khichdi.
After the soaking time is complete, drain the water completely using a colander or strainer. The soaked dal and rice are now ready to be cooked in the pressure cooker.
Step 2: Preparing the Tempering
1. Heat oil or ghee in the pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and hing (asafoetida).
3. Let the seeds sizzle and splutter for a few seconds.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
8. Mix well and cook for a minute, until the spices are well combined.
9. Add drained chana dal and rice to the cooker and mix well with the tempered mixture.
10. Add water and salt to taste and stir well.
11. Close the pressure cooker lid and bring to a high pressure.
12. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the dal and rice are fully cooked.
13. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
14. Stir the khichdi well before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Step 3: Adding the Soaked Dal and Rice
After rinsing the chana dal and rice, it’s time to add them to the pressure cooker.
First, add the soaked chana dal to the cooker.
Then, add an equal amount of soaked rice to the cooker.
Make sure to drain any excess water from the dal and rice before adding them to the cooker.
Next, add water to the pressure cooker. The water should cover the dal and rice mixture completely.
You can adjust the water quantity depending on the desired consistency of the khichdi. If you want a thicker khichdi, use less water. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water.
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position.
Turn on the heat and cook the dal and rice mixture on high pressure for about 5-6 whistles, or until the dal and rice are cooked thoroughly.
Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
Tips:
- Make sure to soak the chana dal and rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer a softer khichdi, you can soak the dal and rice for longer, up to 1 hour.
- Adding a pinch of turmeric powder while cooking the khichdi can give it a beautiful yellow color.
- You can also add vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach to make the khichdi more nutritious.
Step 4: Cooking in a Pressure Cooker
Once the soaking process is complete, transfer the soaked chana dal and rice to a pressure cooker.
Add 4 cups of water, salt to taste, turmeric powder, and grated ginger to the pressure cooker.
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle.
Once the first whistle is heard, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Once the pressure is released, open the lid carefully and give the khichdi a gentle stir.
Your delicious chana dal khichdi is now ready to be served.
Serve hot with some ghee on top and enjoy!
Serving and Enjoying Chana Dal Khichdi
Once the Chana Dal Khichdi is cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker, it is ready to be enjoyed as a comforting and wholesome meal. Here are a few ways to serve and elevate the taste of this delicious dish:
1. Garnish with Fresh Coriander:
Before serving, garnish the Chana Dal Khichdi with a generous amount of fresh coriander leaves. This not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances its flavor and aroma.
2. Serve with Raita:
Chana Dal Khichdi pairs beautifully with a refreshing side of raita. Prepare a bowl of cucumber or onion raita by mixing yogurt with chopped vegetables and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. The coolness of the raita perfectly balances out the spiciness of the khichdi.
3. Add a Dollop of Ghee:
For an authentic touch and added richness, top the Chana Dal Khichdi with a dollop of ghee. The melted ghee not only enhances the taste but also adds a silky texture to the dish.
4. Serve with Papad and Pickle:
Complete the Chana Dal Khichdi meal by serving it with crispy papads and tangy pickles. The combination of the soft khichdi, crunchy papads, and tangy pickles creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
Remember to serve the Chana Dal Khichdi hot to fully enjoy its comforting flavors and textures.
FAQ
What is chana dal khichdi?
Chana dal khichdi is a popular Indian dish made with rice and split Bengal gram (chana dal). It is a one-pot dish that is easy to make and is enjoyed as a comforting meal.
Can I make chana dal khichdi in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make chana dal khichdi in a pressure cooker. It is a quick and convenient method of cooking this dish. The pressure cooker helps to cook the rice and dal together in less time, making it a perfect option for a busy day.
