Masala Khichdi Recipe | Comforting One-Pot Indian Meal
Learn how to make Masala Khichdi, a wholesome, one-pot Indian comfort food made with rice, lentils, and aromatic spices. Perfect for lunch or dinner — healthy, flavorful, and ready in minutes!
Masala Khichdi is India’s favorite comfort meal — a soul-satisfying combination of rice, lentils (dal), vegetables, and earthy spices. Every region in India has its own version — from the spicy Gujarati Vaghareli Khichdi to the ghee-laden Bengali Bhoger Khichuri.
In this recipe, we’ll make the North Indian-style Masala Khichdi, loaded with vegetables and traditional spices. It’s light on the stomach yet bursting with flavor — an ideal weekday meal, festive fasting dish, or soothing comfort bowl on rainy evenings.
🥘 Ingredients (for 3 servings)
Main Ingredients
½ cup rice (short or medium grain)
¼ cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
2 tbsp ghee or oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
1 inch cinnamon stick
1 clove and 1 green cardamom
Vegetables
½ cup chopped carrots
½ cup green peas
¼ cup chopped beans
1 small potato, diced
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
Spices
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
3 cups water (adjust consistency as needed)
Garnish
1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 tsp ghee for drizzling (optional but recommended)
🔥 Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Rinse and soak
Rinse rice and moong dal together in water 2–3 times until clear. Soak for 15 minutes. This helps cook the khichdi evenly and gives it a creamy texture.
Step 2: Sauté the spices
In a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. Let them splutter — this forms the aromatic base.
Step 3: Add onion and tomato
Add chopped onions and sauté till translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
Step 4: Add vegetables and spices
Add carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes. Stir in turmeric, chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add rice and dal
Drain soaked rice and dal, add to the pot, and mix. Add 3 cups of water. Adjust salt as needed.
Step 6: Pressure cook
Cover the lid and cook for:
Pressure cooker: 3 whistles
Instant Pot: Manual mode, 8 minutes
Let the pressure release naturally.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Open the lid, stir gently, and drizzle ghee on top. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
Serve Masala Khichdi hot with:
A dollop of ghee
Curd or plain yogurt
Papad and pickle
Kadhi or chaas (buttermilk) for a wholesome Gujarati-style meal
🧂 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat with a splash of hot water or milk to restore its soft, creamy texture.
💪 Health Benefits
High in protein and fiber
Light on digestion — perfect for recovery days
Gluten-free and balanced
Can be made vegan by replacing ghee with oil
🍽️ Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 20 mins |
| Total Time | 35 mins |
| Servings | 3 |
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Course | Main Course |
| Difficulty | Easy |
💡 Expert Tips
Use toor dal instead of moong dal for a nuttier flavor.
For a spicier version, add ½ tsp garam masala before serving.
Add 1 tbsp lemon juice at the end for freshness.
Make it Jain-friendly by skipping onion and garlic.
🪔 Regional Variations
Gujarati Masala Khichdi
A spicier version with mustard seeds and curry leaves, often paired with kadhi.
Bengali Bhoger Khichuri
Made with roasted moong dal and fragrant gobindobhog rice, often offered during Durga Puja.
Masala Khichdi is more than just food — it’s comfort, tradition, and nourishment in one bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something cozy, or hosting a light dinner, this khichdi recipe brings warmth to every plate.
Try it today and let this Masala Khichdi Recipe become your go-to comfort meal!
👉 Explore more one-pot meals like Vegetable Pulao and Lemon Rice.
🔗 Usefull Links
❓ FAQs
1. What is Masala Khichdi made of?
It’s a mix of rice, lentils, vegetables, and aromatic Indian spices cooked together for a flavorful one-pot meal.
2. Is Masala Khichdi healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients — perfect for all ages.
3. Can I make it without a pressure cooker?
Yes, cook in a pan covered with a lid; add more water and simmer until soft.
4. Which dal is best for khichdi?
Yellow moong dal is light and easy to digest, making it ideal.
5. How to make Masala Khichdi more flavorful?
Use homemade ghee, add a touch of garam masala, and top with fried onions for an indulgent twist.
Author Pack:
👩🍳 Written by Bhimascook Team
Bringing authentic, tested Indian vegetarian recipes from traditional kitchens across India. Each recipe is crafted with local ingredients and family-tested methods to ensure taste and tradition in every bite.