Vegetable Masala Khichdi

Khichdi is a South Asian rice dish made from rice and dal (the split version of pulses like lentils, peas, mung beans, etc.). It's commonly considered to be India's comfort food, served to people who have an upset stomach, cold or flu. This easy-to-digest vegetarian dish is simple, delicious, and satisfying – it will soon become a staple in your diet!

Vegetable Masala Khichdi is popular and delicious version of Khichdi. Khichdi is quick, easy to make and delicious comforting food. Vegetable Masala khichdi made with rice, lentil, all kind of vegetables and Indian Spices. I always prefer to make veg khichdi, when I do not have enough time to prepare food. Veg khichdi is healthy and complete food. I love to have it with Kadhi or Curd.

This is a healthy meal option for people who have either diabetes or high cholesterol levels. This is one of the foods that can fulfill your most of the nutritional requirements in one single portion. Since it contains dals (protein), rice (carbs), vegetables (Vitamins and minerals), and spices (anti oxidants and enzymes), proves to be complete meal in itself.


Ingredients:

2/3 cup Basmati Rice
1/3 cup Toor and moong Dal
1 medium size Onion, finely chopped
1 cup Mix Vegetables, chopped
3¼ cups Water 
2 tablespoons Ghee
2-3 Cloves
4-5 Black Pepper 
5-6 Curry Leaves
1 Cinnamon stick
2 small pieces of Bay Leaf
2-3 Tbsp peanuts
1/4 teaspoon Cumin Seeds 
1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
2 tablespoons Coriander Leaves (chopped)
Salt


Method:

1.Wash and soak rice and Toor and moong dal in water for 30 minutes. Drain and keep aside. Finely chop mix vegetables.

2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker pan on medium flame. When ghee is hot enough to sauté, add cumin seeds, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, black peppercorn and curry leaves and peanuts. Sauté for 30-40 seconds.

3.Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns light brown or for approx. 1-2 minutes.

4.Add mixed vegetables (cabbage, green peas, potato, carrot, french beans) and sauté for 2 minutes.

5.Add soaked rice, Toor and moong dal, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix well and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

6.Add water and cover it with a lid. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes or with 2 whistles over low flame.

7. Open/remove the lid and let it cook until rice grain is tender and almost all water is absorbed.

8.Turn off the flame and serve Hot.

You can use any vegetables of your choice like green peas, French beans, cauliflower, potato, carrot, cabbage etc. to make healthy khichdi with mixed vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can safely increase the quantity of vegetables too. However, you need to increase the quantity of water accordingly.