What is Khichdi?
Khichdi (or khichri) is a comforting Indian one-pot dish made with rice, lentils (dal), and minimal spices. Every region has its twist — some keep it plain, others jazz it up with vegetables, ghee, or even tadka (tempering). It’s light on the stomach, yet nourishing — making it ideal for everything from quick dinners to healthy Indian tiffin meals.
🥘 Why Khichdi is the GOAT of One-Pot Meals
Khichdi checks all the boxes for today’s busy households:
✅ One-pot cooking = fewer dishes
✅ Uses pantry ingredients like rice, moong dal, turmeric
✅ Great for vegetarian protein intake
✅ Customizable with whatever veggies you have
✅ Freezer- and tiffin-friendly
✅ Budget-friendly meal for students and families
Whether you’re into Indian meal prep, living on a tight budget, or just tired of overcomplicated cooking — khichdi is your savior.
🧂 Khichdi Variations Across India
- Gujarati Khichdi: Light, with moong dal, mild spices — often eaten with kadhi
- Masala Khichdi: Loaded with vegetables, tomatoes, and a spicy tadka
- Bengali Bhuni Khichuri: Richer, with ghee, bay leaf, and fried veggies
- South Indian Pongal: A cousin of khichdi made with pepper, curry leaves, and cashews
Each version is a brilliant example of regional Indian meal prep recipes using a single pot.
🛒 Khichdi Ingredients: Long-Lasting and Budget-Friendly
Most khichdi recipes use what’s already in your pantry:
| Ingredient | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|
| Rice | Easily available, filling |
| Moong dal | High protein, quick cooking |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory spice |
| Cumin & Hing | Digestion-friendly |
| Ghee or Oil | Adds richness |
| Veggies (optional) | Use frozen or fresh — whatever’s on hand |
Perfect for low-cost Indian cooking with long shelf-life ingredients.
🍱 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Double your batch — khichdi stores well for up to 3–4 days in the fridge
- Portion into tiffin boxes for quick weekday lunches
- Add a little water and microwave to revive leftovers
- It even freezes well (just don’t add tempering until reheating)
✅ Ideal for those doing Sunday Indian meal prep or planning affordable vegetarian weekly menus.
🧑🍳 Khichdi Recipe (Basic Meal Prep Version)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- ½ cup moong dal
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 3 cups water
- Optional: chopped carrots, peas, beans
Instructions:
- Wash rice and dal, soak for 15 mins
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or pot
- Add cumin seeds (optional), rice, dal, turmeric, salt
- Add veggies and water
- Pressure cook for 2 whistles or simmer until soft
- Serve with curd, pickle, or papad