Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe
Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe (Healthy, Comforting & Easy Indian Dish)
Moong Dal Khichdi is one of India’s most loved comfort foods—light on the stomach, rich in nutrition, and incredibly easy to prepare. Made with rice and split yellow moong dal, this wholesome one-pot meal is perfect for lunch, dinner, kids, elders, patients, and weight-loss diets.
This detailed guide covers step-by-step instructions, health benefits, variations, calories, FAQs, and expert tips to help your article rank higher on Google and appear in featured snippets.
🥣 What Is Moong Dal Khichdi?
Moong Dal Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish prepared by cooking rice and yellow moong dal together with mild spices. It is known for its soft texture, soothing taste, and easy digestibility.
✔ Gluten-free
✔ Protein-rich
✔ Easy to digest
✔ Ideal comfort food
⭐ Why Moong Dal Khichdi Is So Popular?
- Recommended during illness & recovery
- Staple food in Ayurveda
- Great for detox & digestion
- Suitable for all age groups
📝 Ingredients for Moong Dal Khichdi (Serves 2–3)
- ½ cup rice (short-grain or basmati)
- ½ cup yellow moong dal (split & washed)
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 small onion (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 small tomato (optional, chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 3½ cups water
- Optional vegetables: carrot, peas, bottle gourd
👨🍳 How to Make Moong Dal Khichdi (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Wash & Soak
Wash rice and moong dal thoroughly. Soak for 15–20 minutes (optional but improves texture).
Step 2: Heat Ghee
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add hing.
Step 3: Sauté (Optional)
Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
Step 4: Add Spices
Add turmeric and salt. Mix well.
Step 5: Add Rice & Dal
Add drained rice and moong dal. Stir gently for 1 minute.
Step 6: Cook
Add water and mix.
- Pressure cooker: Cook for 3–4 whistles
- Open pot: Cook covered until soft and mushy
Step 7: Serve Hot
Mash lightly and serve hot with ghee on top.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Moong Dal Khichdi tastes best when served with:
- Plain curd or buttermilk
- Pickle (aam or nimbu)
- Papad
- A drizzle of ghee
🥗 Health Benefits of Moong Dal Khichdi
1️⃣ Easy to Digest
Moong dal is light and suitable for weak digestion.
2️⃣ High in Protein
Supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
3️⃣ Good for Weight Loss
Low in calories, high in fiber.
4️⃣ Boosts Immunity
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
5️⃣ Ideal During Illness
Recommended during fever, stomach issues, and recovery.
🔁 Popular Variations of Moong Dal Khichdi
- Vegetable Khichdi – Add seasonal veggies
- Masala Khichdi – Add ginger, garlic & garam masala
- Oats Khichdi – Replace rice with oats
- Ayurvedic Khichdi – Minimal spices, healing food
- No Onion No Garlic Khichdi – Satvik version
🔢 Calories in Moong Dal Khichdi
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220–250 kcal
- Protein: 9–10 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 6 g
(Values may vary based on ghee and rice quantity)
❓ FAQs About Moong Dal Khichdi
Is moong dal khichdi healthy?
Yes, it’s one of the healthiest Indian meals—balanced, nutritious, and easy to digest.
Can I eat khichdi daily?
Yes, especially for lunch or dinner. Add vegetables for better nutrition.
Is khichdi good for weight loss?
Absolutely. Use less ghee and more dal/vegetables.
Can babies eat moong dal khichdi?
Yes, it’s ideal for babies above 8 months (without spices).
💡 Expert Tips for Best Khichdi
✔ Use ghee for authentic taste
✔ Keep consistency slightly mushy
✔ Add ginger for digestion
✔ Always serve hot
🥇 Final Thoughts
Moong Dal Khichdi is more than just food—it’s comfort, nutrition, and tradition in one bowl. Whether you’re feeling unwell, dieting, or just craving something simple and satisfying, this dish never disappoints.
If you found this recipe helpful, share it, bookmark it, and try different variations to enjoy khichdi in new ways every time 😊
