Khichdi is a traditional vegetarian meal that is the ultimate comfort food for Indians, especially our family. Β Typically, khichdi is prepared with rice and lentils, spiced with turmeric, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves.Β Often times, IΒ make Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi to give this dish an extra kick of plant-based protein. It is such a versatile vegetarian meal that has many variations to suit the mood. And of course, with the introduction of the Instant Pot, this recipe is quick to get to the dinner table!
On days when anyone in the family is feeling under the weather, I make a light, fluffy khichdi in a porridge-like consistency to warm the heart and soothe the soul. Β After coming home from an out-of-town trip, our dinner consists of masala khichdi, made with a mix of rice or quinoa and lentils, vegetables such as onions, potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant and spiced with paprika, laal marchu (red chili powder), turmeric and garam masala. Β It’s the perfect vegetarian plant-based home-cooked meal that hits the spot after eating out for a few days.
On busy days, when we’re trying to juggle homework and after school activities, my go-to meal is Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi. Β I add a plant-based protein supercharge to the traditional dish by including quinoa.Β The lentils provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbs that makes me feel good about putting a nutritious meal on the table for the family with minimal effort!
Khichdi can be made in a pressure cooker or stovetop.Β In this recipe, we’ll make Khichdi in the Instant Pot using the ‘Saute’ and ‘Multigrain’ modes.Β First, I set the IP to ‘Saute’ mode to temper the avocado oil and adding whole cumin and mustard seeds, whole dry chili pepper, cinnamon stick, and cloves.Β Remember, ‘tempering’ oil simply means heating the oil and infusing it with whole spices.Β Once the mustard seeds ‘pop’, I add my washed and strained quinoa/rice and lentil mix and enough water to get the consistency I’m looking for.Β I then add salt and turmeric and mix well.Β I cancel out of ‘Saute’ mode and switch to ‘Multigrain’ mode for 12 minutes.
There are many variations to a Khichdi recipe, including adding spices like red chili powder and garam masala or adding vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, onions, and potatoes. So, experiment away!
Khichdi is typically served with a cool, refreshing drink called Chhaas. Chaas is made from homemade yogurt and flavored with coarsely ground roasted cumin seeds, salt, and finely chopped cilantro.
Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbs avocado oil
- 2 whole dry chili peppers
- 4 whole cloves
- Β½ cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- Β½ tsp cumin seeds (jeeru)
- Β½ tsp mustard seeds (rai)
- ΒΎ cup quinoa
- ΒΎ cup mung (moong) dal
- Β½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt (adjust per taste)
Instructions
- Wash and strain quinoa and mung dal and set aside.
- Press 'Saute' mode on Instant Pot.
- Add avocado oil, dry chili pepper, cinnamon stick pieces, cloves, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.
- Once heated, the mustard seeds will 'pop'. Add the washed and strained quinoa and dal.
- Add water, salt and turmeric and mix well.
- Close the lid on the IP. Press 'Cancel' and then 'Multigrain'. Set time to 12 min. Move valve to 'Sealing' position.
Video
Notes
- Feel free to play around with this base recipe by adding vegetables you have on hand.
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Instant Pot
Authentic Indian Spice Container
Quinoa Khichdi Dry Mix – coming soon!
And there you go! I would love to hear your feedback or questions about this recipe.Β Oh, and let me know if you would be interested in a Quinoa Khichdi dry mix with the right portion of Comment below!
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For more clean, healthy vegetarian Indian meals, check out my recipe for Instant Pot Pav Bhaji which is a common Indian street food that combines vegetables including potatoes, eggplant and/or zucchini, peas, onions, etc. with flavorful Indian spices like red chili powder (laal marchu), turmeric (hardar) and paprika.
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#COOKBLOGSHARE
I have linked this recipe up to #CookBlogShare, which this week is hosted by Apply to Face.
Jenny
I’m all about comfort food and I’m all about warming the heart and soothing the soul too so I just adore the sound of this beautiful recipe. Thank you for sharing it with #CookBlogShare
Gita
Thank you Jenny!
Priti Patel
Just tried you quick and easy quinoa daal khichadi. It turned out so yum. My father in law is not a huge fan of quinoa and even he enjoyed the yum Khichadi. Thank you an easy and healthy quick mean idea:))
Gita
Thank you Priti! It’s definitely a go-to meal at our house!