Instant Pot Khichdi

Instant pot khichdi is a quick one-pot dish made with lentils and rice mixed in a porridge consistency. This is vegan and gluten-free.

Sometimes, cooking a whole meal after returning late from work is tiring. So, my all-time favorite for those tiring days was my lifesaver meal. This khichdi is a real comfort food. Apart from that, khichdi is one of the healthiest dishes. It's a mixture of rice and lentils with minimal spices. This food has medicinal value in Ayurveda, too.

Khichdi (Kitchari)

This one-pot dish, kitchari or khichdi, is a lifesaver for those who want a quick, light meal. I love dal khichdi because it's a quick dish that saves time and work. However, there are a vast number of variations in its preparation.

This is also spelled as Kitchari. It is also of ayurvedic importance to detox our digestive system with its basic spices. This is excellent for the detoxification of cells. It also balances the bodily doshas (like pitta, Kapha, and Vata in Ayurveda) and provides energy and strength. However, this is low in fiber, and hence, you should add some fiber-rich food along with it if taking for several days.

This is such a tasty meal that you can not say no to it at any time. I never get tired of this dish. In this easy dish, dal and rice are cooked together.

How to make instant pot khichdi?

You can make khichdi in a manual pressure cooker or an instant pot (electric pressure cooker). Both are easy and take less time.

Ingredients you will need-

Rice: Any variety of rice works well since these will be in mushy porridge. I love Basmati, though.

Lentil: You can use any lentils. But authentically, moong beans (split green gram lentils—with skin or without skin) are preferred for making the khichdi since both have almost equal cooking time. I also use tur dal for my khichdi.

Onions and garlic: These are so good for adding a nice flavor to the khichdi. Make ginger-garlic paste or mince.

Spices: Cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, salt.

Fresh herbs: fresh herbs like curry leaves and coriander leaves. But these are optional.

Vegetable oil or ghee (clarified oil): Ghee, which is clarified butter (unsalted), adds extra flavor to the khichdi. Add some extra ghee while serving for additional flavor. Ghee is a good fat and should be consumed in moderation. For vegans, skip ghee and use vegetable oil to cook the khichdi.

Instructions to make khichdi in the instant pot

Rinse the rice and lentils thoroughly. Soak in water for 10 minutes.

Start the instant pot on SAUTE mode for 7 minutes. When the pot is warm, add oil. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add chopped garlic, followed by chopped curry leaves and green chilies. Saute for 15 - 20 sec. Minutes. Add chopped onion and saute till translucent.

Then add tomatoes and saute for another minute. Then add the spices and mix well. Add soaked lentils and rice. Deglaze the pot. Add water and Close the lid. Cancel SAUTE. Start pressure cook mode at high pressure for 6 minutes. Seal the venting knob. It may take 3 - 4 minutes to build on the pressure.

Once the cooking is done and it beeps, let it be on and keep warm (natural pressure release) for another 8 - 10 minutes. Then, release the rest pressure. Open the lid and fluff the kitchari with a ladle. Add some chopped cilantro leaves (optional). Serve it hot.

Consistency

The consistency of khichdi depends on how you like it. I like a more soupy consistency. You can make it thicker, but my advice is not to. It tastes even better in medium thickness. The water and rice + dal ratio is 4:1 for khichdi (Medium liquid consistency). 

Variations

Khichdi means "Mixed". So, you can mix any vegetables with it. In this recipe, I have used only rice and dal. This is basic dal khichdi. Add potatoes, green peas, beans, carrots, and beetroot to make this a vegetable khichdi or masala khichdi.

If you are suffering from stomach upset or any such ailment, then this might be the best food, and that's why our doctors advise having this meal for 2 - 3 days. But here, you can limit the spices to only cumin seeds, salt, and turmeric powder. Turmeric powder is anti-inflammatory and helps cure and detoxify. Read more about cumin seed's benefits here.

What to serve with khichdi?

Authentically, khichdi pairs well with some papad and pickles. You may love to make some accompaniments of curd along with khichdi, e.g., boondi raita, dahi baingan, or some vegan side dish like fried ivy gourd, parwal fry, and so on. But trust me, plain raita/ curd or buttermilk is enough with any khichdi.

Read more rice recipes here.

Instant Pot Khichdi (Kitchari)

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