Restaurant-Style Dal Khichdi
Dal Khichdi is a classic Indian comfort dish, known for its simplicity, nutrition, and soul-satisfying flavors. This Restaurant-Style Dal Khichdi takes the traditional recipe up a notch by using three types of lentils—yellow dal (toor dal), moong dal, and orange dal (masoor dal)—to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish....
Ingredients
For the Dal Khichdi
- 1/4cupyellow dal (toor dal)
- 1/4cupmoong dal
- 1/4cuporange dal (masoor dal)
- 1cupbasmati rice
- 1piecemedium onion, finely chopped
- 1piecemedium tomato, finely chopped
- 2piecegreen chilies, slit
- 1inginger, grated
- 4clovegarlic, minced
- 1tspcumin seeds
- 1tspmustard seeds
- 1tspturmeric powder
- 1tspred chili powder
- 1tspgaram masala
- 2tbspghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 4cupwater
- 1dashsalt
- 1sprigfresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 1piecelemon wedges for serving
For the Tempering (Tadka)
- 1tbspghee or oil
- 1tspcumin seeds
- 2piecedried red chilies
- 4sprigcurry leaves
- 1pinchasafoetida (hing)
How to make Restaurant-Style Dal Khichdi
Prepare the Lentils and Rice
Wash the yellow dal, moong dal, and orange dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them together for 20-30 minutes.
Wash and soak the rice separately for 15-20 minutes.
Cook the Dal and Rice
In a pressure cooker or a large pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin and mustard seeds, allowing them to splutter.
Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another minute until the spices are well combined.
Drain the soaked lentils and rice, then add them to the pot. Stir well to combine with the spice mixture.
Pour in water, mix well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the dal and rice are fully cooked and the mixture has a soft, porridge-like consistency (about 3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker or 25-30 minutes in a pot). Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add the cumin seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Pour the tempering over the cooked Dal Khichdi and mix gently.
Finish and Serve
Add the garam masala to the Khichdi and give it a final stir.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges, a dollop of ghee, and your favorite side dishes like pickle or yogurt.
Tips & Tricks
If you prefer a thicker Khichdi, reduce the amount of water slightly. For a thinner, more porridge-like consistency, add more water.
You can experiment with different combinations of dals based on your preference. Adding split urad dal can also enhance the flavor.
For an authentic, rich taste, use ghee instead of oil, especially for the tempering.
Soaking the dals and rice helps in cooking them evenly and reduces cooking time.
Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
Serve with papad, pickle, or a side of curd for a complete meal.
FAQS
How do I make Restaurant-Style Dal Khichdi creamy and flavorful?
To achieve a creamy and flavorful Restaurant-Style Dal Khichdi, use a combination of three types of lentils: yellow dal (toor dal), moong dal, and orange dal (masoor dal). Soaking the lentils and rice before cooking helps them cook evenly and achieve a soft, porridge-like consistency. Additionally, the tempering with cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves adds a rich aroma and flavor to the dish.
Can I make Dal Khichdi vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Dal Khichdi vegan by substituting ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil. This dish is naturally gluten-free, as it primarily consists of lentils and rice. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or side dishes you serve with it are also gluten-free.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Dal Khichdi?
Dal Khichdi pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with yogurt for a cooling effect, pickles for a tangy kick, or papad for added crunch. A simple salad of cucumber and tomato can also complement the dish nicely.
How should I store leftover Dal Khichdi?
To store leftover Dal Khichdi, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little water to loosen the consistency, as it tends to thicken when stored.
What can I substitute if I don't have all three types of lentils for Dal Khichdi?
If you don't have all three types of lentils, you can substitute with just one or two types. For instance, using only moong dal and yellow dal will still yield a delicious result. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different lentils may require varying cooking durations.
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