Khichdi is one of the comfort food staples in many Indian households. This is a very basic, easy-to-prepare dish made with split green gram (moong dal) and rice boiled well with just a hint of spices and aromatics. Heat ghee or a combination of ghee and oil in a pan to start making Khichdi. Saut onions, garlic, and ginger, then sweet cumin, coriander powder, and turmeric. Add the split green gram and rice and saut for a few minutes until it develops a nice aroma and flavour. Add water and bring to a boil, then turn the flame to the low. Let it cook on a low flame until the Khichdi is cooked and mushy. The beauty of Khichdi lies in its versatility, different spices and ingredients can be used to make it to one's taste. Some like it plain and simple, while others add vegetables, nuts, or even meat to give it a twist. Not only does khichdi have a delicious taste, very comforting, but it has lots of health benefits. It is easy to digest, so it is perfect for persons who have a sensitive stomach or taken when one falls sick. Besides, split green gms and rice offer protein, fiber, and carbohydrates; hence, it's nutritious and balanced food. Try this simple recipe of Khichdi today and savor the comfort and warmth associated with this traditionally Indian dish.

• 1 cup rice
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 2 badi elaichi
• 1 tsp jeera
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Hing
• 2 green chillies
• Coriander leaves

• To make this delicious and comforting Khichdi recipe, start by soaking the green gram dal for about 3 to 4 hours. This will help the dal regain its moisture, thereby reducing the cooking time.
• While the dal is being soaked, soak the rice for about 20 to 25 minutes. This will help soften the rice so that it cooks well with the dal.
• Next, heat some ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
• Add cloves, badi elachi, and jeera, and saut until fragrant-about 2 minutes.
• This helps to release the aromas from the spices and bring in depth into the dish.
• Once fragrant, put the soaked dal and rice into the pressure cooker along with the 4 cups of water.
• Mix well and close with a lid. Let it cook at one to two whistles. This would not only cook the dal and rice but also make them soft and mushy.
• Meanwhile, while the khichdi is cooking, prepare tadka.
• Heat a small pan over medium heat and add ghee to it.
• Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, hing, salt, and green chillies and toss well in the pan to fragrance all spices together.
• This helps in adding a burst of flavour to the dish as well as allows distribution of spices in an even manner.
• Now, after the khichdi is cooked, put the tadka into the pressure cooker and mix well. This will make a good combination of the spice flavours and the khichdi and make it very delicious and fragrant.
• Now, take hot khichdi in a bowl and serve hot with melted ghee and roasted papad as accompaniments.
• While serving, sprinkle a few fresh coriander leaves on top of the khichdi and a pinch of garam masala powder.
• Serve the khichdi hot with raita or curd to cool down your palate.
• If you enjoyed this recipe of khichdi, don't forget to share it with your friends and family.