If you’re craving a wholesome, nutritious, and comforting meal, look no further than Palak Khichdi! This dish combines the goodness of spinach (palak) with rice and lentils, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s easy to prepare, packed with essential nutrients, and incredibly flavorful. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore what makes this dish so special.

Ingredients for Palak Khichdi:

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (palak), chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 4 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Directions for Palak Khichdi:

1. Rinse the Rice and Dal:
   Begin by thoroughly rinsing the rice and moong dal in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Base:
   In a spacious pot or pressure cooker, heat some ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Start by adding finely chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
   Sauté the ginger-garlic paste for about a minute, allowing the raw aroma to dissipate.
4. Add the Spices:
   Now, add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Next, toss in your spices and cook for 30 seconds, letting their flavors bloom.
5. Incorporate Spinach:
   Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook the spinach until it wilts down and reduces in volume, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Rice and Dal:
   Once the spinach is cooked, add the rinsed rice and dal to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
7. Add Water:
   Pour in water, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until both the rice and dal are soft and the consistency becomes creamy. For a pressure cooker, cook the mixture for 2-3 whistles.
8. Final Touch:
   When done, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before opening the lid. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an extra punch of flavor.
9. Serve:
   Palak Khichdi is best served warm, accompanied by a dollop of yogurt or pickle on the side for extra taste.

What to Serve with Palak Khichdi?

Palak Khichdi is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

• Plain Yogurt: A cool, creamy side like yogurt balances the warmth of the khichdi perfectly.
• Pickles: A tangy mango or lime pickle can bring an extra zing to the meal.
• Papad: Crisp, crunchy papads can add a delightful texture to your dish.
• Raita: You can also serve it with a cooling cucumber or boondi raita for some extra flavor.

Khushaliben Ramani’s Tips for Perfect Palak Khichdi:

1. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh, tender spinach leaves give the khichdi a vibrant color and fresh taste. Avoid using overripe spinach as it may affect the flavor.
2. Adjust Consistency: If you like your khichdi a little runnier, feel free to add more water. For a thicker consistency, use less water or cook it for a few more minutes.
3. Add Ghee: Ghee not only enhances the flavor of khichdi but also adds to its digestive properties. If you want to make it vegan, use coconut oil or any plant-based oil.
4. Soak Rice and Dal: For an even quicker cooking time and softer texture, soak the rice and dal for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
5. Use a Pressure Cooker: To save time, you can cook the entire khichdi in a pressure cooker. It takes about 2-3 whistles to get perfectly cooked rice and dal.

Palak Khichdi is a perfect comfort food that you can enjoy without the guilt! It’s quick to prepare, packed with health benefits, and deliciously filling. This dish is perfect for any meal and is particularly great for anyone looking for a light, yet nourishing option. Enjoy your easy, wholesome Palak Khichdi—packed with rice, lentils, and spinach, sure to become a new family favorite!