My cooking routine has gone for a toss and from being a fun activity it’s turned into a chore that I dread now. This is because my husband’s on a diet and he has decided to become vegetarian, for the time being. Although this is great for his health, it leaves me with little options since he doesn’t like most of the veggies. So another thing that’s added to my daily routine is to decide on “What to cook today?”
The other day I got so fed up of thinking about it that I decided not to spend more than 15 minutes cooking the evening meal. I was thinking of one dish that I can make quickly which everyone will like and voila! Dal Khichdi it was. I added a handful of veggies to make it a satiating, wholesome meal and it added colour and flavour to the dish and this soothing, soft khichdi was much loved. Here’s the simple recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup rice (basmati), washed
½ cup green moong dal (split)
Veggies of your choice (cauliflower, potatoes, green peas, french beans)
½ tsp jeera
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tbsp ghee
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
A sprinkle of garam masala
Salt as per taste
Method:
1. Wash and soak the rice and dal for 20 minutes in approximately three to five cups of water.
2. Use a pressure cooker to cook the khichdi and on medium flame heat it. Add ghee and jeera and let it splutter.
3. Meanwhile chop the onions into thin slices and add them to the cooker. Saute till the onion becomes translucent.
4. Wash and cut your veggies into small pieces. You can choose from potatoes, peas, carrots, beans and cauliflower. You can also prepare the khichdi without veggies altogether but for a wholesome dish add them.
5. Sauté for around two minutes and add the red chilli powder, dhania powder and salt.
6. Add the soaked rice and dal to it and mix well, add water and pressure cook.
7. Let it cook for three whistles. Once done check for salt and masala.
8. Garnish with finely chopped coriander and serve along with some crunchy papad and raita.
9. You can also garnish with shredded cheese to enhance the flavour if you are not too calorie-conscious.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock
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