Looking for a wholesome, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? Chef Maunika Gowardhan, bestselling cookbook author and Indian food writer, brings you a classic recipe straight from the heart of Gujarat—Gujarati Khichdi. This simple yet nourishing dish is made with cracked wheat, moong dal, and an aromatic blend of spices, making it a perfect balance of taste and health.
Why You’ll Love Gujarati Khichdi
Gujarati Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and full of spices that not only enhance the flavor but also provide digestive benefits. Traditionally served with ghee, this one-pot meal is often enjoyed as a light dinner or a soul-soothing lunch. With ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and garam masala, this khichdi is not only delicious but also a nourishing, Ayurvedic dish that’s perfect for those looking to reset and rejuvenate.
Ingredients
- 100gms Dalia/ Cracked wheat
- 70gms moong dal (skinned and halved, the yellow variety)
- 1 litre water
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
To cook the khichdi:
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds
- Pinch of asafoetida
- 1 dried red chilli
- 1” ginger finely chopped
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
- 100gms carrot chopped in bitesize pieces
- 100mls water
- 70gms tomato chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of sugar
- 50gms frozen green peas
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Coriander finely chopped for garnish
In a small saucepan add the Dalia, moong dal, water and turmeric powder. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes stirring every few minutes. Turn the heat low and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Once cooked turn the heat off and set aside.
In a large heavy bottom sauce pan heat the ghee over a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, asafoetida and dried chilli. Fry for a few seconds and add the ginger, curry leaves and chilli powder. Fry for a 1 minute. At this stage add the carrot and stir well. Add water and simmer over a low heat with the lid on for 5-6 minutes. The carrots will be just cooked. Now add the tomatoes and stir. Season to taste and add the sugar.
Add the cooked Dalia and moong dal. Stir for 1 minute. Add the green peas and garam masala. Stir well. Serve warm garnished with coriander.