Moong Dal Khichdi – How to Make Green Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe

Moong Dal Khichdi is a wholesome, one-pot comfort meal made with rice, moong dal (yellow lentils), and mild spices. This easy-to-digest dish is light yet nourishing, making it perfect for sick days, detox meals, or a quick, satisfying dinner.

It pairs well with yogurt, pickles, papad, or a drizzle of ghee for extra flavor.

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Moong Dal Khichdi

This one-pot dish, made with rice, moong dal, and mild spices, is perfect for a quick and wholesome meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with vegetables, grains, or spices to suit your taste and dietary needs. Pair it with ghee, yogurt, or pickles for an extra burst of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or deep pot
• Spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup  moong dal  yellow lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp ghee  or oil
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 small tomato chopped
• 1 green chili chopped (optional)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder optional
• ½ tsp salt  or to taste
• ½ tsp garam masala optional
• ¼ tsp asafoetida  hing
• 1 tsp ginger grated
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
• ½ tsp lemon juice optional

Instructions

 

• Rinse & Soak: Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly and soak them in water for 10 minutes. Drain before cooking.

  Tempering: Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pot. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida, grated ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a few seconds.
  
• Cooking the Base: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.

  Spices & Cooking: Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well. Add soaked rice and dal. Stir to coat them with the spices.

  Add Water & Cook: Pour in 3 cups of water. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles in a pressure cooker (or simmer for 20–25 minutes in a pot).
  
• Finishing Touches: Once pressure releases, open the lid, mix gently, and add garam masala, lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves.

  Serving: Serve hot with ghee, yogurt, pickle, or papad.
  

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 6g

Cooking Tips:

• For a softer consistency, increase water to 4 cups.
• Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans for a more nutritious meal.
• Use ghee instead of oil for authentic flavor and added richness.
• If cooking in a pot, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add water as needed.

Keyword Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthy Eating, Indian Snacks, Quick Meals, Vegetarian

How About Alternative Ingredients for this Recipe?

If you don’t have moong dal, you can substitute it with masoor dal (red lentils) or toor dal (pigeon peas) for a slightly different texture and taste. Instead of rice, you can use broken wheat (dalia), quinoa, or even millet for a healthier twist.

Ghee adds richness, but you can replace it with butter or a mild-flavored oil like coconut or olive oil.

If cumin seeds are unavailable, try mustard seeds or fennel seeds for a different aromatic touch. For those who prefer a tangy kick, lemon juice can be swapped with a little tamarind pulp or yogurt.

Summary

Moong Dal Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food, light, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

With its simple ingredients and versatility, you can customize it with vegetables, spices, or grains to suit your taste and dietary needs. Pair it with a dollop of ghee, yogurt, or pickle for an extra burst of flavor.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm, wholesome meal that brings both nourishment and comfort to your table!