How To Make Gujarati Khichdi In A Pressure Cooker

Gujarati Khichdi is a comforting one-pot meal that is made with rice, lentils, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is a staple dish in the state of Gujarat, India, and is known for its simplicity and delicious flavors. This traditional Gujarati recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and healthy meal.

To make Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker, you will need ingredients like basmati rice, split yellow moong dal, ghee, cumin seeds, asafoetida, ginger, green chili, turmeric powder, and salt. The pressure cooker helps to cook the khichdi evenly and quickly, making it a convenient option for busy days.

To begin, wash the rice and moong dal together and soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat ghee in the pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, asafoetida, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.

Next, drain the water from the soaked rice and dal and add them to the pressure cooker. Stir well and add turmeric powder and salt. Finally, add water and close the pressure cooker with its lid. Cook the khichdi on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles or until the rice and dal are cooked through.

Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the khichdi a gentle stir. Serve hot Gujarati Khichdi with a dollop of ghee, a side of yogurt, and some pickles for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own or paired with kadhi, a tangy yogurt-based curry.

With this easy Gujarati Khichdi recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of Gujarat in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Preparing Ingredients for Gujarati Khichdi

Before you begin making Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker, it is important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients required:

Rice

Measure the desired amount of rice required for the recipe. Rinse the rice in a sieve under running water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove any excess starch and impurities from the rice.

Lentils

Choose the type of lentils you prefer for the khichdi. Wash the lentils thoroughly in a sieve until the water runs clear. Soaking the lentils for a few minutes can help soften them. Drain the soaked lentils before using them in the recipe.

Vegetables

Gather all the vegetables needed, such as chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and grated ginger. You can also add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Tip: If you prefer a spicier khichdi, you can increase the number of green chilies or add some red chili powder.

Spices and Seasonings

Get all the required spices and seasonings ready, including cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt, and ghee (clarified butter).

Water

Keep some water handy for cooking the khichdi. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the desired consistency of the khichdi.

By gathering and preparing all the ingredients beforehand, you can ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious Gujarati Khichdi in the end.

Gathering the necessary spices and vegetables

To make a delicious Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker, you will need a variety of spices and vegetables. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

Spices:

1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala

Vegetables:

1 cup basmati rice
1 cup split yellow moong dal
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
3 cups of water

Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start cooking the Gujarati Khichdi. You can find these spices and vegetables at your local grocery store or Indian specialty store. Having everything prepared beforehand will make the cooking process much easier and smoother.

Washing and soaking the lentils and rice

Before you start making Gujarati Khichdi, it is important to wash and soak the lentils and rice. This helps in removing any impurities and also makes the lentils and rice cook faster and evenly.

Here’s how you can wash and soak the lentils and rice:

Take one cup of rice and half a cup of split yellow moong dal (lentils).
Place the rice and lentils in a large bowl.
Rinse them thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
Once rinsed, fill the bowl with enough water to cover the rice and lentils. Leave them to soak for at least 15-20 minutes.

Soaking the lentils and rice softens them and reduces the cooking time. It also helps in making the khichdi light and fluffy.

Cooking Gujarati Khichdi in a Pressure Cooker

Gujarati Khichdi is a popular comfort food that is not only delicious but also easy to make. By using a pressure cooker, you can cook this traditional dish in no time. Here’s how:

1. Wash and rinse 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of split yellow moong dal. Soak them together in water for about 15 minutes.

2. In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let the seeds crackle.

3. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped tomato, and 1 finely chopped green chili. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.

5. Drain the soaked rice and dal mixture and add it to the pressure cooker. Stir and sauté for a minute.

6. Pour 3 cups of water into the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 whistles.

7. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. Give the khichdi a good stir.

8. Gujarati Khichdi is usually served with a dollop of ghee on top. Garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

9. Serve the hot and piping Khichdi with yogurt, pickle, and papad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish. The pressure cooker helps to cook the rice and dal perfectly, resulting in a soft and flavorful Khichdi. So, next time you’re craving some comfort food, give this recipe a try!

Sauteing Onions and Tomatoes

Before starting the pressure cooking process, it is important to sauté the onions and tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the Gujarati Khichdi.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped

Instructions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions to the hot oil and sauté until they turn translucent and slightly golden brown.
Next, add the finely chopped tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and mushy.
At this stage, you can add some spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder to enhance the taste.
Continue to sauté the mixture for a couple more minutes until the spices are well incorporated and the raw smell disappears.

Sautéing onions and tomatoes not only adds depth of flavor to the Gujarati Khichdi but also ensures that the onions are cooked properly, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish.

Adding lentils, rice, and water to the pressure cooker

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start preparing the Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker. Follow these steps to get started:

Measure 1 cup of basmati rice and 1/2 cup of yellow split moong lentils (with skin) and add them to a bowl.
Rinse the rice and lentils under running water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any impurities.
Transfer the rinsed rice and lentils to the pressure cooker.
Add 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker. The ratio of rice and lentils to water is 1:3.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Make sure the lid of the pressure cooker is securely in place before proceeding to the next step.

Pressure cooking and seasoning the khichdi

Once the lentils and rice have been soaked and the vegetables chopped, it’s time to prepare the khichdi in the pressure cooker. Rinse and drain the lentils and rice mixture thoroughly before adding it to the pressure cooker.

Next, add the soaked lentils, rice, chopped vegetables, and water to the pressure cooker. The ratio of lentils to rice is typically 1:1, but you can adjust it to your preference. Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the khichdi.

Close the pressure cooker lid securely and cook the khichdi over medium heat for about 3-4 whistles, or until the lentils and rice are cooked through and soft. The pressure cooking method helps to efficiently cook the khichdi and infuse all the flavors together.

Once the khichdi is cooked, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure before opening the lid. This will help the flavors to meld together and prevent any accidents from the sudden release of pressure.

After opening the pressure cooker, give the khichdi a gentle stir to mix everything well. At this stage, the khichdi may seem a little watery, but don’t worry – it will thicken as it cools.

Now it’s time to season the khichdi. Heat ghee or oil in a separate pan, then add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pan and sauté until fragrant.

Next, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir the spices well to coat them evenly with the ghee or oil. This will enhance the flavor and add a hint of spice to the khichdi.

Pour the seasoned mixture from the pan over the cooked khichdi in the pressure cooker. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the khichdi.

Finally, garnish the khichdi with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch. The coriander leaves add freshness and the lemon juice brings a tangy twist to the dish.

Your delicious Gujarati khichdi is now ready to be served! Spoon it into bowls and enjoy it with a side of yogurt, pickle, or papad for a wholesome and comforting meal.

FAQ

What is Gujarati Khichdi?

Gujarati Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables. It is a simple and wholesome one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and packed with flavors.

What are the ingredients required to make Gujarati Khichdi?

The main ingredients for Gujarati Khichdi are rice, split yellow moong dal (lentils), a mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, beans, and potatoes, spices like turmeric, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and ghee (clarified butter).

How do I make Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker?

To make Gujarati Khichdi in a pressure cooker, first, wash and soak the rice and lentils for about 15 minutes. Then, heat ghee in the pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and turmeric powder. Next, add the vegetables and sauté them for a few minutes. Drain the soaked rice and lentils and add them to the cooker. Add water, salt, and pressure cook for about 2-3 whistles. Serve hot with yogurt or pickle.

Can I customize Gujarati Khichdi according to my taste?

Yes, you can customize Gujarati Khichdi according to your taste. You can add or remove vegetables according to your preference. You can also adjust the spices to your liking. Some people like to add ginger-garlic paste or green chilies for an extra kick. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

What are some variations of Gujarati Khichdi?

Some variations of Gujarati Khichdi include adding peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture, adding tamarind or lemon juice for a tangy flavor, or adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for a more aromatic taste. You can also make a khichdi using different types of lentils like masoor dal or toor dal instead of moong dal.