Moong Dal Khichdi

If you are falling short of time or falling short of veggies in your pantry and would still like to prepare something nutricious and healthy, then Moong Dal Khichdi is a quick option. It can be prepared in a few minutes. It is also very good for infants and also for sick people as it is very easy to digest and also very healthy.

I introduced this for my baby at the age of one year - but a milder version with no ginger and no chilli powder. Now at the age of two, she still loves it, but a little spicy version :-)

Ingriedients:
Rice - half cup
Green split moong dal - little less than half cup
Ginger paste - 1 teaspoon (Optional)
Garlic - 4-5 petals
Mustard seeds - half teaspoon
Jeera/ Cumin seeds - half teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Chilli powder - half teaspoon
Karipatta - 4-5 leaves
Hing/ Asoefatida
Oil - 2 tablespoon
Salt
Water

Procedure:
1. In a mixing bowl, add the rice and dal. Wash it and keep aside.
2. Take a pressure cooker, add 2 tablespoon oil. Add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, add jeera, Karipatta and hing.
3. Next mash the garlic with your hand and add it to the cooker and fry it for a minute.
4. Next add the ginger paste. This is an optional.
5. Next add the turmeric powder and the chilli powder.
6. Finally add the washed rice and dal and mix well for about 2-3 minutes so that rice absorbs the masala. Also add a pinch of salt and mix well.
7. Next add 3-4 cups water and add necessary salt.
8. Pressure cook it for 7-8 whistles.

The delicious Khichdi is ready.
Serve it with Kadi, Papad and pickle.
While serving, add 1 tablespoon ghee over the hot khichdi.

Notes:
1. Adjust the amount of water added depending on your desired consistency. My family likes it more watery, hence I add more water.
2. Toor dal Khichdi can also be prepared in a similar way by adding toor dal (Arhar dal) instead of moong dal. Even a combination of both these dals can be added. Below is the pucture of Tur Dal Khichdi

3. While introducing it to your baby, do not make it spicy. Do not add chilli powder or ginger. Prepare it very mild and watery as infants like it that way. Also if your baby does not like garlic, you can skip it.
4. Veggies like carrots, green peas can also be added to make it more delicious and healthy.