On days when dinner feels like a task, most of us reach for something quick but still comforting. Vegetable khichdi fits right in. It’s light on the stomach, packed with nutrition and doesn’t ask for much effort. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or just looking for easy dinner ideas, this one-pot recipe brings together simplicity, taste and nourishment in one go. In this blog, we will learn how to make vegetable khichdi.

Nutritional Value of Vegetable Khichdi

Vegetable khichdi offers a good balance of carbs, protein and fibre. This makes it filling without being heavy. The vegetables add natural vitamins and the lentils bring in plant-based protein and essential minerals.

It further supports digestion, provides steady energy and is gentle enough for all age groups. You’ll also find key nutrients like iron, calcium and potassium in every spoon. It also contains a mix of B vitamins that help with energy levels and overall wellness.

Here is the nutritional value per 100g (approx.):

Calories: Around 140 kcal

Carbohydrates: Close to 20 g

Protein: Around 5.5 g

Fat: Under 5 g

Fibre: About 2.5 g

Ingredients

For Khichdi:

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup toor dal
• ½ cup moong dal
• 2 tbsp Ksheer Ghee
• 1 tsp Catch Cumin Seeds
• Pinch of Catch Hing
• 1 tsp Catch ginger garlic paste
• ½ tsp Catch Turmeric Powder
• ½ tsp Catch Red Chilli Powder
• ½ tsp Catch Cumin Powder
• ½ tsp Catch Coriander Powder
• 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp green peas
• 1 carrot, chopped
• ½ potato, chopped
• 5 French beans, chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped

For Tempering:

• 2 tbsp Ksheer Ghee
• 1 tsp Catch Cumin Seeds
• Pinch of Catch Hing
• 1 dried red chilli, broken
• Pinch of Catch Red Chilli Powder

Method

1. Wash and soak rice, toor dal and moong dal together for 10 minutes. Drain and keep aside.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add cumin Seeds and a pinch of hing. Sauté till aromatic.
3. Add chopped onion and ginger garlic paste. Sauté until soft and golden.
4. Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder and coriander powder. Cook for a few seconds till the spices blend well.
5. Add tomato and cook until soft. Then add green peas, carrot, potato and beans. Sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add soaked rice and dal. Mix well and sauté for another minute.
7. Pour in 4 cups of water, add salt and stir. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles or until everything is soft.
8. Once pressure releases, open the lid and adjust consistency by adding 1 cup water if needed. Mix gently.
9. For tempering, heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, hing, broken red chilli and a pinch of red chilli powder. Let it splutter.
10. Pour the tempering over the khichdi, mix in coriander leaves and serve hot.

A Glance at the Benefits of Having Khichdi

Khichdi is more than just comfort food. It’s one of the wholesome, balanced dinner meals that fits into many diets without needing adjustments. Here’s how beneficial it is:

a) Supports Recovery During Illness Its simple ingredients and mild spices make it a go-to meal during fever, stomach infections or general weakness. It provides energy and nutrition without putting stress on the body.

b) Customisable with Ease You can add or skip vegetables, tweak the spice level or change the type of dal based on your mood or health needs. This flexibility makes khichdi suitable for everyone in the family.

c) Naturally Gluten-Free For those avoiding gluten, khichdi is a great choice. It uses rice and lentils, both of which are gluten-free and safe for people with sensitivities.

d) Helps in Weight Management Since it is low in fat and high in fibre, khichdi helps with portion control and curbs overeating. It also promotes a feeling of fullness that lasts longer.

e) Hydrating and Soothing Thanks to its water content and warm texture, khichdi keeps you hydrated and relaxed, especially during cooler months or when you're feeling under the weather.

f) A One-Pot Wonder Vegetable khichdi doesn’t need fancy ingredients or multiple cooking steps. With everything going into one pot, it’s quick, convenient and perfect for busy evenings.

Take Out Your Pressure Cooker, Dinner Is Sorted

Khichdi might not come with layers of garnish or complicated steps, but that’s exactly where its strength lies. It brings together nourishment, warmth and ease. If you’re building a list of dependable dinner recipes that comfort without compromise, this one is worth keeping close.