Instant Pot Quinoa Dal Khichdi – Healthy, easy to digest, wholesome, one-pot comfort meal prepared by pressure cooking Quinoa, Moong Dal and Rice with lots vegetables and a couple of spices. Whether you call it Masala Khichdi, Vaghareli Khichdi, Vegetable or Dal Khichdi, this one-pot meal recipe is nutritious and light on the tummy.
Khichdi also known as khichadi, khichri or khichuri is a comfort food that is most commonly eaten all over India. It is made in many different ways as it is not native to any regional cuisine. In India, when someone gets sick/ill or recovering from illness, then simple khichdi are often served to them. But Khichdi is not sick food at all. It’s Delicious, healthy, nutritious and comforting. It’s a meal that everyone enjoys in my family. Some people prefer khichdi with separated grains. I prefer more like porridge as everything breaks down well and It is really easy to digest. This Instant Pot Quinoa Dal Khichdi has whole spices and lots of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, green peas, potatoes, bell pepper, and onions.
Ingredients to make Instant Pot Quinoa Dal Khichdi.
I make Khichdi every week, mostly for Monday Dinner. I use different combination every time to make khichadi, like Moong dal and rice, sometimes with only quinoa and dal, Sometimes with Different Dal and Rice. Today, I used a combination of
Quinoa –
Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and it’s those kinds of food that contain all nine essential amino acids. Rinse quinoa in water several times to take away the natural bitter coating.
Rice –
Rice is the base of every khichdi. Traditionally, for making any kind of Khichdi, short grain rice is used. I have used Sona masoori Rice. It is short grain and I find it perfect for Khichdi. But you can also use long grain rice like basmati. It will also work great.
Moong Dal
According to Ayurveda, moong dal is one lentil which is recommended for balancing all three doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata). It is very light on the stomach. You may use red lentils (Masoor dal) instead of moong dal or you can even use a combination of this both lentils. My family loves this combination of quinoa-rice-dal. Usually, for Khichdi, we do 3 parts of rice and one part dal. But for this Quinoa Dal Khichdi, I have taken an equal amount. However, feel free to take an increase or decrease any of these(Quinoa-rice-dal) Ingredients. Totally up to you!
Vegetables
The vegetables I use to make this khichdi is really depended on which vegetables I have in my fridge. Today, I have used Zucchini, Carrots, Green peas, Bell Pepper and potatoes. You may use any vegetables of your choice. But please maintain the ratio of Vegetables, water, and Grains.
Whole spices –
I have used Cloves, cumin seeds and cinnamon as whole spices here. If you are making Dal Khichdi for small kids then you can skip or reduce the spices.
Ginger-chili-garlic and onion –
This combination is the base of most of the Indian dishes. Please skip adding green chilies if making this Quinoa Khichdi for Small kids.
Ghee –
Ghee gives a better flavor in khichdi. But if you are making it vegan or have some diet restrictions, you may use Same quantity oil.
Salt and Turmeric.
Water
Water to grains ration is very important and it really depends on the consistency of khichadi you like. We prefer Porridge(Mushy and soft) kind of khichdi so I have used 3 times more water than the grain. Water quantity also depends on the number of vegetables you use for khichdi. Because vegetables also release some moisture. If you are not going to add vegetables or going to use fewer vegetables than the mentioned in this recipe, add some water. The great thing is that this recipe is easily customizable.
How to make Instant Pot Quinoa Dal Khichdi?
I usually prefer to make Khichdi in my Instant Pot or in a traditional pressure cooker. If you don’t have an instant pot or traditional pressure cooker, then make the quinoa khichdi in the pot. You will have to add some more water when cooking in a pot. I will share all 3 methods, Instant Pot – traditional pressure cooker – in a Pot, in the recipe card. Khichdi is a basic one-pot dish made of rice and lentils. As I made this one-pot meal, I added the tempering before Quinoa-rice-dal and vegetables. Heat Ghee/oil in the Instant Pot on normal saute mode. Add cumin seeds and whole spices. Then saute ginger, garlic, chili, and onion for few minutes. Then add vegetables, washed equal quantity of quinoa-dal-rice, water, salt, and turmeric powder. Change the Instant pot setting to manual mode for 7 minutes under high pressure. Naturally, release the pressure and Its done! You can serve Instant Pot Quinoa Dal Khichdi with Curd, Pickle, Papad and some onions or some raita.
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