Rice Dish · indian cuisine

Comforting Moong Dal Khichdi

Soft on purpose. Extra ghee at the end. This is sick-day and late-night food in my house.

By Hasnain Khan · Tested in a home kitchen · Updated 2026-08-16

Why this recipe works

Khichdi is what I cook when someone is tired, travelling home late, or needs food that feels like a blanket. It is not fancy, and that is the point. Soft rice, soft dal, a little turmeric gold, and a final drizzle of ghee.

People under-season khichdi and then wonder why it tastes bland. Salt boldly, finish with lemon if you like brightness, and do not fear a slightly soupy texture — that is traditional, not a mistake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup yellow moong dal (split lentils)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp salt
• Water as needed
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Step-by-step method

1. Wash rice and moong dal together until water runs clear. Soak for 15 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add grated ginger and sauté for 1 minute. Add turmeric and mix.
4. Add drained rice and dal. Season with salt and add 4 cups of water.
5. Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles on medium heat. Let pressure release naturally.
6. Open the cooker, mix well, and adjust consistency with hot water if needed.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of ghee. Serve with pickle and yoghurt.

Estimated nutrition

About 260 calories per serving (based on 3 servings). Values are estimates for home cooks and vary by brands, oil used, and portion size — not lab-analysed.

Bowl food for soft days

I serve khichdi loose and steaming with a spoon of ghee, pickle, and yogurt on the side. When someone is under the weather, this is the pot I put on first.

Leftovers set firm in the fridge — loosen with hot water or thin dal while reheating and taste for salt again. Keeps two days. Day-two khichdi with a crisp papad and lemon is still comfort food, just thicker.

This recipe is original CookMe editorial content for home cooks. Nutrition varies by brands and portions. If you have allergies, check every label. CookMe may display ads via partners such as Mediavine; see our Privacy Policy and Advertising Disclosure.