Instant Pot Vegetable Khichdi Recipe – Easy Indian Comfort Food

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Vegetable Khichdi Recipe – Easy Indian Comfort Food

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a hug in a bowl, you’ve come to the right place. This Instant Pot Vegetable Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make – especially with the magic of the Instant Pot! I remember the first time I made this; it was a chilly evening, and I was craving something simple yet satisfying. This khichdi hit the spot, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any khichdi. It’s packed with veggies, fragrant spices, and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time.
• Nutritious: A complete meal with carbs, protein, and plenty of vegetables.
• Comforting: Seriously, it’s like a warm hug for your soul.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the veggies and spice levels to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 tablespoon Ghee or Clarified Butter
• ½ teaspoon Peanut Oil
• ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 6 Cloves
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 Black Cardamom
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
• ½ cup Sweet Corn
• ½ cup Frozen Green Peas
• 1 medium Carrot, peeled and diced
• ½ cup Green Beans, finely chopped
• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• ½ cup Yellow Moong Dal
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
• ½ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
• 5 cups Water
• Salt to taste
• Finely chopped cilantro or coriander for garnish
• 2 teaspoon Ghee (or oil for vegan) for tempering
• ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds for tempering
• ½ teaspoon Mustard Seeds for tempering
• A pinch of Hing (Asafoetida)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few notes to help you get the best results:

• Basmati Rice: I highly recommend Basmati for its lovely aroma and fluffy texture. It really elevates the khichdi.
• Yellow Moong Dal: This lentil cooks quickly and adds a beautiful creamy texture. Don’t substitute with other dals unless you adjust cooking time.
• Ghee: Ghee adds a richness and flavor that’s just unmatched. But, if you’re vegan, feel free to use oil!
• Hing (Asafoetida): This is a little gem in Indian cooking! It adds a unique savory depth. A little goes a long way. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: This isn’t about heat; it’s about color! It gives the khichdi a beautiful reddish hue without making it spicy. If you can’t find it, regular chili powder works, but use less.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse and soak the rice and lentils together for about 10 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Then, drain them well and set aside.
2. Now, activate the Instant Pot’s Sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the ghee and peanut oil.
3. Add the whole spices – cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, and black cardamom – and sauté until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell those spices!
4. Add the chopped onion and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the onions are translucent and softened.
5. Time for the veggies! Add the sweet corn, green peas, carrot, and green beans. Mix everything well, then add the rice, lentils, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Turn off the Sauté mode.
6. Pour in the water, give it a good stir, and make sure everything is nicely combined. Secure the Instant Pot lid.
7. Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes. After that, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.

8. Gently fluff the khichdi with a fork. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little hot water and stir.

9. Let’s make the tempering! In a small pan, heat the ghee (or oil). Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they start to crackle, add a pinch of hing.

10. Pour the tempering over the khichdi. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the soaking step! It really does make a difference in the texture.
• Adjust the water level to your liking. More water = thinner khichdi.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

Variations

• Vegan Khichdi Adaptation: Simply substitute ghee with any cooking oil.
• Gluten-Free Khichdi Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the Kashmiri red chili powder to ¼ teaspoon or omit it entirely.
  • Medium: Use the ½ teaspoon as written.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili.
• Festival Adaptations: My grandmother always made this during Makar Sankranti, adding a bit of grated ginger for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Khichdi is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• A dollop of yogurt (plain or raita)
• A side of pickle (mango pickle is a classic!)
• Papadums for a crispy crunch
• A simple vegetable side dish

Storage Instructions

Leftover khichdi keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

What is Khichdi and its nutritional benefits?

Khichdi is a classic Indian dish made with rice and lentils. It’s incredibly nutritious, providing a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. It’s also easy to digest, making it a great option for when you’re feeling under the weather.

Can I make Khichdi without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can make khichdi in a regular pot on the stovetop. It will take longer (about 30-40 minutes), and you’ll need to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

What vegetables can I substitute in this Khichdi recipe?

Feel free to get creative! Potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, and peas all work beautifully.

How do I adjust the consistency of the Khichdi?

Add more hot water for a thinner consistency, or cook for a few more minutes (without the lid) to thicken it up.

What is Hing (Asafoetida) and where can I find it?

Hing is a resin with a pungent aroma that adds a unique savory flavor to Indian dishes. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online. It often comes in a powdered form.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!