One-Pot Masala Khichdi

• 1 cup short-grain rice (Surti kolam), washed and soaked
• ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• ½ cup yellow moong dal
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp oil
• ½–1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 dried red chilli
• ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tsp chopped ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• a pinch of salt with the tomato + salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ cup small cauliflower florets
• 10–12 French beans, chopped
• ½ cup green peas
• 8 cups water, plus a little hot water to loosen
• a pinch of garam masala
• a pinch of roasted kasuri methi powder
• a handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Method

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1. Wash the rice and both dals together 2–3 times until the water runs clear, then soak in plenty of water for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables. 0:37
2. Heat the ghee and oil in a pressure cooker. Crackle the cumin seeds, then add the bay leaves, dried red chilli, asafoetida and onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the ginger, garlic and green chilli and cook 1–2 minutes on high. 1:39
3. Add the tomato with a pinch of salt and cook on high until soft. Lower the heat, stir in the turmeric, Kashmiri chilli and coriander powder, then add the potato, carrot, cauliflower, beans and peas and stir on high for a minute. 2:21
4. Drain the rice and dal and add them with 8 cups of water and salt to taste. Close the lid and cook for 4 whistles on medium. 3:00
5. Let the pressure release naturally. Open, stir gently, add a little hot water to loosen it to your liking and cook 1–2 minutes more. 3:30
6. Finish with a pinch of garam masala, roasted kasuri methi and fresh coriander. Serve hot with curd, pickle, papad and sliced onion. 4:01

Tip. Use any vegetables you have. Leftovers thicken as they stand, so loosen with hot water when reheating. A spoon of curd (plain yoghurt) on the side adds protein.

The method is a summary in our words — the video shows every step.