Bajra khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made from bajra (pearl millet) and lentils. It’s a wholesome and nutritious one-pot meal that is popular in Rajasthan and other parts of India, especially during winters. To prepare it, bajra grains are cooked with lentils (usually moong dal), along with spices like cumin, turmeric, and green chilies. The dish is typically served hot, garnished with ghee and fresh coriander leaves. Bajra khichdi is not only delicious but also rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Bajra Khichdi:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bajra (pearl millet), washed and soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight
- 1/2 cup moong dal (split mung beans), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Wash and soak the bajra and moong dal separately as mentioned above.
- Drain the soaked grains before using.
- Cooking:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add grated ginger and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Now, add the drained bajra and moong dal to the pot.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- Add 3-4 cups of water depending on the desired consistency.
- Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat or cook covered in a pot until the bajra and dal are soft and well-cooked.
- Serve:
- Once the pressure releases, open the cooker or pot carefully.
- Stir the khichdi gently. If it’s too thick, you can add more hot water to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot bajra khichdi with a dollop of ghee and lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to make the khichdi more nutritious.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
- You can also add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor.
- Serve with yogurt or pickle for a complete meal.
