Khichdi is the most simple, most versatile and most widely cooked dish in Indian households. Parents give babies this choice of food as their first meal, and it also serves as a preferred comfort food during sickness. It is a protein-rich, one-pot meal that manages to keep you full for a long time without losing out on its other health perquisites. Lentils and rice are the two main ingredients in this soft yellow fulfilling meal. You can adapt a classic khichdi in various ways by cooking it with different types of dal and adding vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, or even spinach. There are numerous options to savor Khichdi with plenty of additions. To enhance its goodness, one can simply temper cloves in a spoonful of ghee (clarified butter). India’s diversified cuisine gives this humble food several interpretations. As one moves along the different regions of the country, the base and the ingredients change, giving it a special twist in many different types of khichdi. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Khichha”, one would not believe that this simple dish carries a history which dates back to the 13th century, followed by some mentions by a Russian adventurer in his writings in the 15th century. Travelers, historians, kings, and others from around the world have listed khichdi as a special food in the regions of India.
Simmer your appetite as we discover the varieties of Khichdi
1. Dal Khichdi
A long work day followed by being stuck in traffic for an hour can be harrowing enough that you have to cook an elaborate healthy meal for yourself and your family as soon as you reach home but thanks to Dal Khichdi, you get to skip this ordeal. You can make it with a variety of pulses such as split green gram, toor dal, moong dal, or a mix of lentils you have in your pantry. Mix it with rice, turmeric, and salt. Some like to start with an easy tempering of cumin and cloves. Dal Khichdi is a wholesome blessing in every way.
2. Sabudana Khichdi
Also known as Sago or Tapioca Pearls, Sabudana is a staple ingredient that people use during their fasts to avoid eating grains. It is a substitute that turns out to be an appetizing option for non-fasting folks as well. Made with overnight soaked sabudana, it starts with an uncomplicated tempering of some cumin, green chilis and curry leaves. Continue to add potatoes and the star ingredient peanuts with a dash of lime juice at the end, along with salt and some sugar. A perfect meal to celebrate festivities or simply because you crave it.
3. Pongal
Originating from the Southern parts of India, Pongal is a staple rice dish made by mixing legumes and other herbs and spices. Served with sambar and chutney along with podi, it’s a sweet as well as savory meal. Jaggery adds sweetness to a list of ingredients like black peppercorn, curry leaves, cumin, green chili, ginger, and hing, etc. Famous in Tamil Nadu, it is a breakfast meal, unlike its other variations. People cook Pongal during festivals as a symbol of a new beginning in the harvest season.
4. Keema Khichdi
The royals in Hyderabad, called Nizams, turned a modest dish into a lavish one. From their kitchens to our dining tables now, Keema Khichdi comes from the state of Andhra Pradesh. In Hindi, we translate minced meat, cooked with a long list of spices and masalas, as Keema. A toothsome meat that hits just the right taste spots, keema’s addition to Khichdi gives it an extraordinary taste and flavor.
5. Chicken Khichdi
It must be a genius who thought of adding chicken to a khichdi recipe. It adds a spark of extra health benefits to a bowl full of rich and creamy khichdi. Packed with protein, the marinated chicken and other flavorsome spices make it an energizing and delicious version. You would not want to miss this inviting meal if you are a non-vegetarian food lover.
6. Moong Dal Khichdi
This one is a hearty variety among the many types of khichdi you get to choose from. A default choice, a classic, and a familiar home flavor are just a few ways we can define Moong Dal Khichdi. This one-pot meal, made with moong dal and rice, and cooked with turmeric and salt, provides a gratifying experience for your taste buds. Some choose to add cumin, hing, or cloves. You can also add some ghee or butter for an extra heavenly taste.
Order Your Favorite Khichdi on Swiggy Now!
1. Download and install the Swiggy App. Get it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Install the app and go ahead and open it.
2. Login or Sign Up: If you’re a new user, you will need to sign up for a Swiggy account. You can sign up using your email and phone number. You can also use social media accounts like Facebook or Google. An existing user can log in with their credentials.
3. Enter Your Location. You can enter your address or allow the app to use your device’s GPS to find your current location.
4. Browse Restaurants. After you enter your location, you can browse from several available options. You can try to use filters to narrow your search. You can check Khichdi restaurants near me and select from varieties of Khichdi like Dal Khichdi or Sabudana Khichdi. Now tap on them to place an order.
5. Proceed to Checkout. Once you are satisfied with your selected order, tap “Proceed to Checkout” to go to the payment screen.
6. Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method. Swiggy accepts many payment options. These include credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery, where available. Review everything and click on the “Place Order” button to confirm your order. Your food gets delivered to your doorstep, so you can relax and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your home, by yourself or with friends and family.
Conclusion
Indians have a huge finger-licking selection of Khichdi, spoiling them for choice. With a diverse profile in taste, cooking, and events to serve at, this dish has it covered. Khichdi is a light yet wholesome meal cooked in minutes and it almost made it to being the national food of India.
FAQ
1. Is Khichdi a complete protein?
When mixed with varied ingredients, a dish becomes healthier. Khichdi becomes a complete protein when mixed with dal, rice, and other ingredients.
2. What vitamins and minerals does khichdi contain?
Khichdi comprises calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, B complex, phosphorus, and many other nutrients.
3. Is Khichdi light or heavy?
All types of khichdi fall into the light food category.
