Khichdi has long been a symbol of comfort and simplicity in Indian cuisine. But this beloved dish can also be reinvented with modern superfoods like quinoa and millet for added nutrition and variety. These healthy khichdi variants are perfect for those looking to enjoy the goodness of traditional flavors while embracing the benefits of alternative grains.
Why Quinoa and Millet for Khichdi Variants?
Both quinoa and millet are gluten-free, protein-packed, and rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Replacing rice with these super grains makes khichdi not just lighter but also a powerhouse of nutrition. These recipes maintain the comforting essence of khichdi while elevating its health quotient.
Ingredients for Quinoa and Millet Khichdi
For Quinoa Khichdi
- Quinoa: 1 cup
- Yellow Moong Dal (Split Yellow Lentils): 1/2 cup
- Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Peas, Beans): 1 cup, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato: 1 medium, chopped
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
- Green Chilies: 2, slit (optional)
- Salt: To taste
- Water: 4 cups
For Millet Khichdi
- Foxtail Millet or Barnyard Millet: 1 cup
- Yellow Moong Dal: 1/2 cup
- Vegetables (Pumpkin, Spinach, Carrots): 1 cup, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1 tsp, grated
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Mustard Seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Curry Leaves: 6-8
- Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch
- Salt: To taste
- Water: 4 cups
For Tempering (Both Variants):
- Ghee or Oil: 1 tbsp
- Mustard Seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Curry Leaves: 6-8
- Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch
For Garnish:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful, chopped
- Lemon Wedges: Optional
Step-by-Step Recipe for Quinoa Khichdi
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Rinse the quinoa and moong dal thoroughly under running water.
- Chop the vegetables and keep all ingredients ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Spices
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or pot.
- Add cumin seeds, and once they splutter, add asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Quinoa
- Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato, followed by turmeric powder and mixed vegetables. Stir well.
- Add rinsed quinoa, moong dal, water, and salt.
Step 4: Cook the Khichdi
- If using a pressure cooker: Cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- If using a pot: Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until quinoa and dal are soft.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Millet Khichdi
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Rinse the millet and moong dal thoroughly.
- Chop the vegetables and keep all ingredients ready.
Step 2: Tempering and Sauté
- Heat ghee or oil in a pot or pressure cooker.
- Add mustard seeds, and once they splutter, add curry leaves, asafoetida, and grated ginger.
- Add onions and sauté until soft.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Millet
- Add turmeric powder, followed by the vegetables, millet, moong dal, and water.
- Add salt to taste and stir well.
Step 4: Cook the Khichdi
- If using a pressure cooker: Cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- If using a pot: Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until millet and dal are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve either khichdi variant with plain yogurt or a cooling raita.
- Pair with crispy papad or tangy pickle for added flavor.
- Enjoy it as a wholesome meal for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Khichdi
- Adjust Water: Add more water if you prefer a porridge-like consistency.
- Customizable Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables for added freshness and flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace ghee with coconut oil or any plant-based alternative.
- Spice Levels: Adjust green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Quinoa Khichdi
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 9g
- Fats: 6g
Millet Khichdi
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Fats: 5g
Read More : Crispy Aloo Sandwich Recipe: A Perfect Snack for Potato Lovers
Khichdi Variants: Quinoa and Millet
Two healthy twists on traditional khichdi—quinoa and millet versions packed with nutrition and flavor.
Equipment
- Pressure cooker or pot
- Chopping Board and Knife
- Potato Masher (optional)
Ingredients
Ingredients for Quinoa Khichdi:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup yellow moong dal
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 green chilies optional
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Ingredients for Millet Khichdi:
- 1 cup millet foxtail or barnyard
- 1/2 cup yellow moong dal
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 6-8 curry leaves
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
For Quinoa Khichdi:
- Rinse quinoa and moong dal thoroughly.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or pot. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies.
- Sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in tomato puree, turmeric powder, and chopped vegetables. Stir well.
- Add quinoa, moong dal, water, and salt.
- Cook for 2 whistles in a pressure cooker or simmer in a pot for 20-25 minutes until soft.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with a dollop of butter or yogurt.
For Millet Khichdi:
- Rinse millet and moong dal thoroughly.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pot or pressure cooker. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, asafoetida, and grated ginger.
- Sauté onions until soft. Add turmeric powder and mix well.
- Add vegetables, millet, moong dal, water, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 2 whistles in a pressure cooker or simmer in a pot for 20-25 minutes until cooked.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges or raita.
Conclusion
Quinoa and Millet Khichdi are nutritious twists on a beloved Indian comfort food. Both these recipes combine wholesome ingredients, bold spices, and the benefits of alternative grains to create balanced, satisfying meals. Perfect for health-conscious eaters, these khichdi variants are easy to prepare and versatile enough to fit any meal plan. Try them today and enjoy a modern take on an age-old classic!
