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| Chana Dal Khichdi |
Chana Dal Khichdi – A Punjabi Comfort Food
Khichdi (or Khichri) may not officially be India’s national dish, but it is undoubtedly one of the country’s most beloved and comforting meals. This humble combination of rice, lentils, and spices has been a staple in Indian households for generations. Nutritious, wholesome, and easy to digest, khichdi is often considered a complete meal in itself.
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Traditionally prepared as a one-pot dish, rice and lentils are cooked together until soft and flavorful. A fragrant tadka (tempering) of spices is then added, enhancing its taste and aroma.
Every Indian state has its own unique version of khichdi, reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions. Today, I am sharing Punjabi Chana Dal Khichdi, a hearty and delicious variation made with split Bengal gram (chana dal). Served with generous dollops of desi ghee, this simple dish transforms into a rich, comforting meal that is truly heavenly.
Preparation time – 20 minutes
Cooking time – 10 minutes
Cuisine – Indian
Type – main course
● INGREDIENTS REQUIRED -:
Rice (washed and soaked) – 1 cup
Chana dal – 3/4th cup (washed and soaked)
Water – 8 cups
Salt – 2 tsp or to taste
Turmeric/haldi powder – 1 tsp
● INGREDIENTS FOR TADKA /TEMPERING – :
Ghee – 2 tbsp +1 tsp for topping
Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala, black pepper powder, and hing – half tsp each
Cinnamon stick /dalcheeni – 1 no
Whole red chilli – 2 nos.
Bay leaf/ tej patta – 1-2
Grated ginger – 1 tsp
METHOD -:1- Take a pressure cooker and add water, rice, Chana dal, salt, and turmeric / haldi powder. Cover the lid and keep it on the high flame
2- After 1 whistle, slow down the flame for 5 minutes
3 – After 5 minutes, turn off the flame and let the cooker cool down completely
4- Open the lid of the cooker and stir the cooked khichdi with a ladle
TADKA/ TEMPERING -:
1- Heat ghee and add hing/asefoetida powder
Now add grated ginger and stir
2- Add cumin seeds and whole red chilly
Add cinnamon stick/dalcheeni and bay leaf/tej patta
3- Add all the powdered spices like (red chilly powder, garam masala, and black pepper powder)mentioned above
4- Pour this tadka over the cooked khichdi and serve with more ghee on top
5- Simple and rustic chana dal khichri or khichdi is ready to serve. Pair it with pickle, raita, and papad
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