Description
This Oats Khichdi is a healthy and nutritious meal perfect for weight loss. Combining the goodness of oats and moong dal with fresh vegetables and traditional Indian spices, this comforting dish is cooked quickly in a pressure cooker to deliver a flavorful, wholesome meal that is light on calories but rich in fiber and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Condiments
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp salt
Vegetables
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 green chilli, slit
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 4 beans, chopped
- 3 tbsp peas
- 1 carrot, chopped
Pulses & Grains
- ½ cup moong dal, soaked for 20 minutes
- 1 cup rolled oats
Liquids & Herbs
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp coriander, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Ghee and Tempering: In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of hing. Allow these to splutter and release their aroma.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: Add finely chopped half an onion, 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste, and 1 slit green chilli. Sauté these ingredients slightly until fragrant and soft.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomato and sauté until it becomes soft and mushy, blending well with the spices.
- Cook Vegetables: Add chopped beans, peas, and carrot to the cooker. Sauté the vegetables together for about a minute, allowing them to combine with the tempered spices.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon chilli powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir and cook until the spices become aromatic, enhancing the flavor base.
- Roast Moong Dal: Add the soaked moong dal and roast it with the vegetables and spices for one minute, which deepens the dal’s flavor.
- Add Oats and Water: Stir in 1 cup rolled oats and pour in 4 cups of water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly for uniform cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on medium heat for 1 whistle, allowing the oats and dal to soften and cook through.
- Release Pressure and Stir: Once pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and stir the khichdi well. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed for a slightly porridge-like texture.
- Add Fresh Coriander: Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves to add freshness and color to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the comforting oats khichdi hot, accompanied by raita and pickle for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Soaking the moong dal for 20 minutes softens it and reduces cooking time.
- Adjust the water quantity depending on your preferred consistency; for a thicker khichdi reduce water slightly.
- Ghee adds richness and depth to the dish, but it can be substituted with oil for a lighter version.
- Include other seasonal vegetables as desired for variation.
- This khichdi is a great option for a light, nutritious meal especially suitable during weight loss diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Oats Khichdi, Healthy Khichdi, Weight Loss Recipe, Moong Dal Khichdi, Indian Comfort Food
