Dal Palak Khichdi

 

          This is Khichdi (porridge) with a twist. I made use of mixed lentils and some spinach for a great alternative to our common khichdi recipe. It is a satisfying comfort food that is both healthy and nutritious. This simple, quick and easy to make dish provides a good dose of  protein, vitamins, calcium and iron, required for a well balance meal. 

          I chopped the spinach instead of blending it, as I like it this way. However, it can be added in the pureed form too. You can enjoy it anytime of the day with papad / chips and pickle / lime juice. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this yummy one pot meal. 

          Khichdi, as we all know, is a one-pot meal with lentils and rice cooked together. This traditional dish is very commonly prepared in many Indian households. Each state has it's own particular version in regards to tempering and seasonings. 

           The lentils used also differs accordingly. At times veggies and some greens are added depending on individual preference to make them more healthy. 

  

          Khichdi is considered as a light meal and is ideal for kids and convalescing people. You can adjust the consistency according to your preference by adding less or more water. 

• 1/3 cup mixed dal / lentils 
• 1/3 cup rice
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste 
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. cumin-coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped

Tempering -

• 1 tbsp. ghee
• 3-4 dry red chilies
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds  

          Soak the lentils and the rice for 2-3 hours. Then wash well and drain. Mix the ginger-garlic paste and all the dry spices with some water and keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the onions till light brown. Then add the spice paste and cook till the oil separates.

         Now add the lentils and rice and give it a stir. Sauté for a minute. Add the chopped spinach, salt to taste and 3 cups hot water. Mix well and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles. 

          For the tempering - Heat ghee in a small pan and temper with red chilies and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds and switch off the flame. 

          Pour this tempering over the prepared khichdi and serve with papad / chips and some pickle for a comfort meal. 

                            Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the onion till light brown.

                                  Then add the spice paste and cook till the oil separates.

                                 Add the lentils and rice and give it a stir. Sauté for a minute. 

                                  Add the chopped spinach, salt to taste .....

                                 ....... & 3 cups hot water. Mix well.

                                  Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles. 

                          For the tempering - Heat ghee in a small pan and temper with red chilies

                          and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds and switch off the flame. 

                                 Pour this tempering over the prepared khichdi.

                    Serve with papad / chips and some pickle for a comfort meal.