Samak Chawal Ki Kichdi

Samak Chawal Ki Khichdi is a popular dish, especially during fasting periods in India. It's made with barnyard millet (samak chawal), which is commonly consumed during Hindu fasting days. Here's a simple recipe for you:

Table of Contents

Samak Chawal Ki Kichdi

About Samak Chawal Ki Kichdi

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips

Video

Ingredients:

• 1 cup - samak chawal (barnyard millet)

• 1-2 tbsp - ghee (clarified butter)

• 1 tsp - cumin seeds

• 2-3 nos. - green chilies, chopped (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 nos - medium-sized potato, peeled and diced

• 1 nos.- small carrot, diced (optional)

• ½ cup - green peas (optional)

• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste

• 3 cups - water

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon juice (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Rinse the samak chawal thoroughly in water and drain. Set it aside.

• Dice the vegetables (potato, carrot) if using.

1. Cooking:

• Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.

• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add the green chilies and sauté for a few seconds.

• Add the diced potatoes and carrots (if using). Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.

• Add the green peas (if using) and sauté for another minute.

• Add the rinsed samak chawal and sauté for 2-3 minutes to coat the grains well with ghee.

1. Simmering:

• Add 3 cups of water and rock salt to the mixture. Stir well.

• Bring the mixture to a boil.

• Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the samak chawal is cooked and the water is absorbed. This should take about 10-15 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 1-2 whistles on medium heat.

• Check the khichdi occasionally and stir to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Add a little more water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

1. Finishing:

• Once the khichdi is cooked and reaches a porridge-like consistency, turn off the heat.

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

• Add a dash of lemon juice if desired for extra flavor.

Serving:

• Serve the Samak Chawal Ki Khichdi hot with a side of yogurt or a simple cucumber raita. You can also enjoy it with a drizzle of extra ghee on top for added richness.

This dish is light, nutritious, and perfect for fasting days or when you want something easy on the stomach. Enjoy!

Tips

Rinse Thoroughly:

Rinse the samak chawal multiple times to remove any dust or impurities. This also helps in preventing the khichdi from becoming sticky.

Soak for a Short Time:

Soaking samak chawal for 15-20 minutes before cooking can help in reducing the cooking time and achieve a better texture.

Ghee for Flavor:

Using ghee instead of oil enhances the flavor and makes the khichdi more aromatic. It's also considered more suitable for fasting.

Balanced Water Ratio:

Generally, a 1:3 ratio of samak chawal to water works well for a soft and fluffy khichdi. Adjust the water according to your preferred consistency

Cook on Low Flame:

After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer on a low flame. This ensures even cooking and prevents the khichdi from sticking to the bottom.

Vegetable Choice:

While potatoes are commonly used, you can add other vegetables like carrots and peas to make the khichdi more nutritious. Just ensure the vegetables are cut into small pieces for even cooking.

Use Rock Salt:

If making this for a fasting period, use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt as it's allowed during fasts.

Flavor Enhancements:

Adding green chilies, ginger, and coriander leaves can enhance the flavor of the khichdi. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

Resting Time:

Let the khichdi rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in settling the flavors and gives a better texture.

Consistency Adjustments:

If the khichdi turns too dry or thick, you can add a little warm water or milk to adjust the consistency before serving.

Serving:

Serve hot with a side of yogurt or raita. A drizzle of extra ghee on top while serving can add to the richness and taste.

Garnish:

Fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying Samak Chawal Ki Khichdi perfect for fasting days or as a light, nutritious meal.