Looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s both filling and light on the stomach? Try this wholesome Vegetable Khichdi – an Indian comfort food made with rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. It’s perfect for lazy nights, sick days, or when you just want something quick, healthy, and delicious.
🥄 Why Khichdi is the Best Easy Dinner Option?
✅ Quick to make
✅ Highly digestible
✅ Protein-rich (lentils)
✅ Great for kids and elders
✅ Can be made with any seasonal vegetables
✅ Requires basic ingredients only
Khichdi is a one-pot meal that balances taste, health, and simplicity. In Ayurveda, it’s considered a detox food too!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need to make a comforting bowl of vegetable khichdi for 2–3 people:
Main ingredients:
½ cup basmati rice
½ cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 small tomato (chopped)
1 small potato (diced)
½ cup chopped carrot
½ cup green peas
½ tsp ginger paste
1 green chili (optional)
Spices & seasoning:
1 tbsp ghee or oil
½ tsp cumin seeds
¼ tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Pinch of asafoetida (hing) – optional
3 cups water
Fresh coriander for garnish
Tip: You can also add beans, cauliflower, bottle g
ourd, or spinach as per your preference.
How to Make Vegetable Khichdi – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash & Soak
Start by rinsing the rice and moong dal together in water 2 to 3 times, until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or excess starch.
After washing, soak them in enough water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
While they soak, you can chop the vegetables and get everything else ready.
Step 2: Heat Ghee and Add Spices
Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add a pinch of hing (optional), then ginger paste and chopped green chili.
Sauté for a minute till fragrant.
Step 3: Add Veggies
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
Add tomato, potato, carrot, and green peas.
Cook for 2–3 minutes while stirring.
Step 4: Add Rice, Dal, and Spices
Add the soaked rice and dal (drain water before adding).
Mix well and add turmeric, salt, and 3 cups of water.
Stir once and close the pressure cooker lid.
Version of Step 5:
Once you’ve added all the ingredients, close the pressure cooker lid properly.
Now let it cook on medium heat — wait till you hear 2 or 3 whistles.
After that, switch off the stove and don’t touch the cooker.
Let it cool down naturally, as the steam will settle on its own.
Wait until the steam settles, then slowly open the pressure cooker.
Give the khichdi a slow stir and check the texture — it should be nice, soft, and comforting.
Step 6: Mash and Serve
Open the lid, mix gently.
If it looks too thick, add a bit of hot water and stir.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Khichdi tastes best when served hot, straight from the pot.
Add a spoon of homemade ghee on top — it melts in and adds rich flavor.
You can enjoy it with a bowl of fresh curd, crispy papad, or a bit of tangy pickle on the side.
Want to make it feel like a complete meal? Serve it with kadhi and a simple salad. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for dinner after a long day.
💡 Tips & Variations
👶 For babies or elders:
Agar ghar mein chhote bachche ya bude buzurg khayenge, toh khichdi ko thoda extra soft bana lo. Mirch-masala mat daalo — simple aur halka banega, toh pet bhi khush rahega.
🧄 Thoda aur swaad chahiye?
Ek chhoti si lahsun ki kali ko onion ke saath halka sa bhuno — khichdi mein ek alag hi mazedaar flavor aa jaata hai.
🌶️ Masala ka tadka:
Garam masala ya ready-made khichdi masala se ek spicy twist de sakte ho. Lekin dhyaan rahe — zyada na ho, warna original taste chhup jaayega.
🥣 Pressure cooker nahi hai?
Koi baat nahi! Ek mota tawa ya thick-bottomed pan lo, dhakkan se dhak kar dhimi aanch pe 25–30 minute