Butter Khichadi Recipe
Butter Khichadi is a delightful and popular Indian dish that combines rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices to create a comforting and nutritious meal. It is known for its simplicity and quick preparation, making it a favorite for busy days or when you crave something warm and wholesome. Here’s an extensive guide on how to make butter khichadi, including tips and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- Rice – 1 cup (washed and soaked)
- Moong dal (split green gram) – 1/2 cup (washed and soaked)
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
- Green chilies – 2 (slit)
- Ginger – 1-inch piece (finely chopped)
- Garlic – 4 cloves (finely chopped)
- Onion – 1 medium-sized (finely chopped)
- Tomato – 1 medium-sized (finely chopped)
- Carrot – 1 medium-sized (diced)
- Peas – 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 4 cups
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Wash and soak the rice and moong dal in separate bowls for at least 30 minutes. This helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
- Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. Dice the carrot and keep all the vegetables ready.
2. Tempering:
- Heat a pressure cooker on medium heat and add the ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida followed by the slit green chilies, finely chopped ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and releases its aroma.
3. Sautéing:
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pressure cooker. Sauté them until they turn translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they soften and become mushy.
- Mix in the diced carrots and peas. Sauté the vegetables for a couple of minutes to coat them with the spices.
4. Spices:
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ground coriander to the mixture. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
5. Adding Rice and Dal:
- Drain the soaked rice and moong dal and add them to the pressure cooker. Mix everything well so that the rice and dal are evenly coated with the spices.
6. Cooking:
- Add 4 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles. Once cooking is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
7. Finishing Touch:
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix the butter into the hot khichadi until it melts and blends in.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
8. Serving:
- Serve the butter khichadi hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or a simple salad. You can also drizzle a little more melted butter on top before serving for an extra rich flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like beans, potatoes, or spinach to make the khichadi more nutritious and colorful.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Consistency: For a thinner texture, you can adjust by adding more water as desired. For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water slightly.
- Flavor Enhancements: Adding a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick while cooking can enhance the aroma and flavor of the khichadi.
- Serving Suggestions: Butter khichadi tastes great with papad, raita, or a simple cucumber salad.
Nutritional Benefits:
Butter khichadi is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Rice and moong dal provide essential proteins and carbohydrates, while the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of ghee and butter gives it a rich flavor and also provides healthy fats. This wholesome meal is easy on the stomach and can be a perfect choice for a balanced diet.
Conclusion:
Butter khichadi is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a go-to meal for many households. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a nutritious meal for a special diet, butter khichadi fits the bill perfectly. Try this recipe and enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of this classic Indian dish.