Vegetable Khichdi Recipe
🥣 Vegetable Khichdi Recipe – Healthy, Comforting & Easy One-Pot Indian Meal
Vegetable Khichdi is a nutritious, comforting Indian dish made with rice, lentils (dal), vegetables, and mild spices. Known as the ultimate comfort food, khichdi is light on the stomach, rich in protein, and perfect for lunch, dinner, kids, elderly, and sick days. This easy vegetable khichdi recipe is beginner-friendly, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes.
🌿 Why Vegetable Khichdi Is a Healthy Choice
Vegetable Khichdi is considered a complete meal in Indian cuisine. It combines carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in one bowl.
Health Benefits:
- High in plant-based protein
- Easy to digest (ideal for detox & recovery meals)
- Supports gut health
- Low oil, gluten-free, and customizable
- Suitable for weight loss and diabetic diets
🛒 Ingredients for Vegetable Khichdi (Serves 3–4)
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice (preferably short-grain or basmati)
- ½ cup yellow moong dal (split & skinned)
- 2½ cups water
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
Spices & Seasoning:
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- Salt to taste
For Tempering (Optional):
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
- Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
👩🍳 How to Make Vegetable Khichdi – Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Wash & Soak
Wash rice and moong dal thoroughly until water runs clear. Soak for 10–15 minutes for better texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or deep pan.
Add cumin seeds → let them crackle.
Add ginger and onion → sauté until translucent.
Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
Step 3: Add Vegetables & Spices
Add mixed vegetables, turmeric, and salt. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Khichdi
Add soaked rice and dal. Mix gently.
Pour water and stir.
Pressure cook for 2 whistles (or cook covered until soft).
Step 5: Tempering (Optional)
Heat ghee in a small pan, add garlic and hing, and pour over khichdi for extra aroma.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Vegetable Khichdi tastes best when served hot with:
- Desi ghee on top
- Curd (yogurt)
- Pickle or papad
- Steamed vegetables or salad
🔄 Variations of Vegetable Khichdi
- Masala Khichdi – Add garam masala & red chili powder
- Oats Khichdi – Replace rice with oats
- Palak Khichdi – Add spinach for iron boost
- Kids’ Khichdi – Skip spices, add more vegetables
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Friendly FAQs)
Is vegetable khichdi good for weight loss?
Yes, vegetable khichdi is low in calories, high in fiber, and keeps you full longer, making it ideal for weight management.
Can I eat khichdi daily?
Absolutely. When prepared with vegetables and minimal ghee, khichdi can be consumed daily as a balanced meal.
Which dal is best for khichdi?
Yellow moong dal is the most commonly used as it is light, protein-rich, and easy to digest.
Is vegetable khichdi good for digestion?
Yes, it is often recommended during illness due to its gut-friendly and soothing nature.

