Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Bajra khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made from bajra (pearl millet) and rice, cooked together with a variety of spices and vegetables. It is a wholesome and nutritious one-pot meal that is commonly prepared during the winter months in India. Down below you can read how to make Bajra Khichdi.

About Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Bajra khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made from bajra (pearl millet) and rice, cooked together with various spices and vegetables. It is a popular one-pot meal known for its wholesome and nutritious qualities. Bajra khichdi is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with bajra, rice, spices, and vegetables. It is famous for its wholesome nature, winter suitability, regional variations, and Ayurvedic significance. Whether enjoyed for its taste, health benefits, or cultural significance, bajra khichdi continues to be a beloved dish in India.

Read on to know more about how to make Bajra Khichdi. (Read more about Bajra Nutrition)

Time	Difficulty	Serves
30 Minutes	Easy	2

How To Make Bajra Khichdi Recipe At Home

Let’s understand how to make Bajra Khichdi by following these steps:-

Step 1- Preparation: Soak bajra and rice for 15-20 minutes, then drain. Chop the mixed vegetables.

Step 2- Tempering: Heat ghee/oil in a pot. Add cumin and mustard seeds and let them splutter. Sauté grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies for 1 minute.

Step 3- Adding Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4- Combining Ingredients: Add soaked bajra, rice, turmeric powder, and salt to the pot. Mix everything well to combine.

Step 5- Cooking: Pour in water and give it a stir. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or cook on medium-low heat until the grains are soft and khichdi reaches a porridge-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or raita. This condensed version provides a quick overview of the steps to make Bajra Khichdi recipe at home.

Preparation for Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Here’s what you need to do to make this easy Bajra Khichdi Recipe:-

• Rinse and soak 1 cup bajra and 1/2 cup rice for 15-20 minutes. Drain.
• Chop 1/2 cup mixed vegetables.
• Heat ghee/oil in a pot, add cumin and mustard seeds, let them splutter.
• Sauté ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
• Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients for Bajra Khichdi Recipe

To learn How to make Bajra Khichdi, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet)
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, beans, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method/Steps to Make Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Let’s understand how to make Bajra Khichdi by following these steps:-

Step 1- Preparation: Rinse 1 cup of bajra and 1/2 cup of rice separately under running water. Soak them together in water for 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and set aside. Chop 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 2- Tempering: Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil in a pressure cooker or a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the hot ghee/oil. Allow them to splutter.

Step 3- Aromatics: Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 2-3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 slit green chilies to the pot. Sauté for a minute until they become fragrant.

Step 4- Vegetables: Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5- Grains and Spices: Add the soaked and drained bajra and rice to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix everything together.

Step 6- Water and Cooking: Pour in 3 cups of water and give it a good stir. Ensure that the water level is sufficient to cover the grains and vegetables. Close the lid of the pressure cooker or pot. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat. If using a pot, cover it with a lid and cook on medium-low heat until the grains are soft and the khichdi reaches a porridge-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot Bajra Khichdi on its own or with yogurt, pickle, or raita for added flavor.

Any Alternate Way to Make Bajra Khichdi Recipe

People often wonder how to make Bajra Khichdi interesting. Here, we’ll look at an alternate recipe that is packed with nutrition and taste. For a change, you can also try our Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet)
• 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, beans, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1- Preparation: Rinse 1 cup of bajra and 1/2 cup of moong dal separately under running water. Soak them together in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside. Chop 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 2- Pressure Cook: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add soaked bajra, moong dal, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well. Pour in 4 cups of water and stir.

Step 3- Pressure Cooking: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat. Cook for 4-5 whistles or until the bajra and dal are cooked and tender.

Step 4- Garnish and Serve: Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and give the khichdi a good stir. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Nutritional Value in Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Here’s the nutritional value of the easy Bajra Khichdi recipe.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	8 grams
Carbohydrates	45 grams
Fat	5 grams
Fiber	7 grams

Pro Tips to Make the Best Bajra Khichdi Recipe at Home

You can make the easy Bajra Khichdi recipe even more delicious using these tips

• Soak bajra and rice to soften them and reduce cooking time.
• Use a variety of vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
• Properly temper the cumin and mustard seeds for enhanced flavors.
• Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies for a punch of flavor.
• Follow recommended cooking times for pressure cooker or pot cooking.
• Adjust water quantity for desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for freshness.
• Serve with yogurt, pickle, or raita for a complete meal.
• Feel free to experiment with additional spices and flavors to suit your taste.

If you read more about how to make Bajra Khichdi healthy, you can ace an easy Bajra Khichdi recipe.

Health Benefits of Bajra Khichdi

Here are some health benefits of easy Bajra Khichdi recipe.

1. Rich in Fiber: Bajra Khichdi contains both bajra (pearl millet) and lentils, which are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
2. Good Source of Protein: Bajra Khichdi combines bajra and lentils, providing a good amount of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle health.
3. Low in Fat: Bajra Khichdi is generally prepared with minimal oil or ghee, making it a low-fat dish. This can be beneficial for those aiming to manage their overall fat intake.
4. Gluten-Free Alternative: Bajra is a gluten-free grain, making Bajra Khichdi suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to wheat-based dishes.
5. Provides Essential Nutrients: Bajra Khichdi is a good source of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B-vitamins. These nutrients contribute to maintaining healthy blood cells, supporting bone health, and aiding energy production.
6. Helps in Weight Management: The high fiber content in Bajra Khichdi promotes satiety, which can help in managing weight by reducing excessive food cravings and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Read more about why Millets for weight loss!
7. Supports Heart Health: Bajra is known to be heart-friendly as it contains high levels of antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The low-fat content and presence of whole grains in Bajra Khichdi further contribute to heart health.
8. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels: Bajra has a low glycemic index, meaning it releases glucose into the bloodstream slowly. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy, making it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes.

Tips to Limit the Calorie in Bajra Khichdi Recipe

Follow these tips to limit the calories in this easy Bajra Khichdi recipe:-

• Control portion sizes.
• Use less oil or ghee for tempering.
• Choose lean proteins like moong dal.
• Increase vegetable content for added bulk and nutrients.
• Be mindful of condiments and avoid high-calorie toppings.
• Skip deep-frying and opt for healthier cooking methods.
• Choose whole grains like whole bajra and brown rice.
• Limit added sugar and control sodium intake.

What’s Different in the Bajra Khichdi Recipe by Livofy?

Ingredients, cooking methods, and flavour profiles might vary between Khichdi recipes. For instance, Livofy’s Bajra Khichdi recipe can utilise a particular combination of spices or different vegetables. If you want to attain a certain texture or flavour, you might also recommend an alternative cooking method or technique.

You can also try different recipes to know how to make Bajra Khichdi healthy and flavorful.

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