Quick Recipe: Pearl Millet (Bajra) Khichdi2
- Prep the grains: Soak pearl millet overnight and moong dal for 1 hour.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pressure cooker; splutter cumin and sauté garlic, ginger, chilies, and curry leaves.
- Cook base: Add onions and tomatoes, sautéing until soft.
- Season and veg: Stir in spices (turmeric, chili, coriander, garam masala) and toss in your chopped vegetables.
- Combine: Add the soaked millet and dal, mixing well with the spice base.
- Pressure cook: Add 2.5 cups of water and cook for 5–6 whistles on medium flame.
- Finish and serve: Let pressure release naturally; garnish with ghee and fresh coriander.
https://youtu.be/VyCwjqkIfwk?is=w2_84Un_AIPDGAwJ
Looking for a nutritious and delicious comfort food that’s also quick and easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic pearl millet (bajra) khichdi recipe. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and flavour, this wholesome dish is perfect for a satisfying meal, any time of the day. And the best part? We’ll make it even more convenient by using a pressure cooker. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Millet & Lentils
- 1/2 cup pearl millet (bajra), soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup moong dal (split green gram), soaked for 1 hour
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp oil (your preference, such as sunflower or coconut)
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- A few curry leaves
- 1 onion, medium-sized, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, medium-sized, finely chopped
- 1/2 carrot, medium-sized, diced
- 5 beans, chopped
- Small bowl of green peas
Spices:
- Turmeric powder
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Pinch of garam masala
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- Water: 2 1/2 cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Tempering
Before you begin, ensure your pearl millet is soaked overnight and the moong dal is soaked for at least 1 hour. This will help reduce cooking time and improve texture. Heat the oil in your pressure cooker over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
Step 2: Saute Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chili, and curry leaves to the cooker. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. Next, add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. Now, add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and releases its juices.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Stir in the turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Sauté everything together for a couple of minutes to blend the flavours. This step releases the natural oils in the spices, enhancing the depth of your khichdi.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add the diced carrots, chopped beans, and green peas. Sauté the vegetables for about 2 minutes on a low flame. This will lightly cook them and allow them to absorb the wonderful spice mixture.
Step 5: Add Grains and Dal
Add the soaked pearl millet and moong dal to the cooker. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the grains and lentils with the spices. Ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined for a uniform flavour.
Step 6: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and check the salt level, adjusting as needed. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 5 to 6 whistles on a medium flame. Once the whistles are complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Step 7: The Final Garnish
Once the pressure has released, carefully open the cooker. Add the fresh coriander leaves and a generous tablespoon of ghee. The ghee adds a richness and aroma that elevates the entire dish. Gently mix the khichdi one last time, making sure not to overmix and break the grains.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Your wholesome and flavourful pearl millet khichdi is now ready to be served. Pair it with a side of yogurt, raita, or pickle for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
For an even more flavourful khichdi, you can dry roast the pearl millet before soaking. This adds a subtle nutty taste.
If you prefer a softer consistency, you can slightly increase the amount of water or pressure cook for an extra whistle.
To make this recipe even healthier, you can substitute some of the oil with ghee.
Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
Benefits of Pearl Millet
- High in Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Rich in Minerals: Contains magnesium, potassium, and iron, essential for various bodily functions.
- Good Source of Protein: Important for building and repairing tissues.
- Gluten-Free: An excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.
