Instant Pot Oats Khichdi

Instant Pots Oats Khichdi is a great way to strike a balance between taste and nutrition during mealtime!

A mixture of savory whole spices and a colorful blend of vegetables and healthy oats makes it a great way to prepare a quick, wholesome meal in minutes.

A bowl of oats khichdi is on the table with a spoon inserted.

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I call it a balanced meal because it has a full serving of protein from moong dal and fiber from the vegetables.

I have prepared this with a stovetop pressure cooker and the Instant pot.

The biggest difference between the two is the time it takes. With the Instant Pot, you can prepare this one-pot meal within 20 minutes!

Try this simple yet sumptuous vegetable oats khichdi today!

Why this recipe works

Khichdi is light and easy to digest, making it a popular meal during illness.

It is perfect for those cold winter days when you want something warm and cozy.

It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple pantry staples.

It’s packed with protein, making it both healthy and satisfying.

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or just something comforting to enjoy on a lazy weekend, this Instant Pot oats khichdi is sure to satisfy your craving!

Ingredients note

Steel-cut oats: Buy and use fresh, good, quality steel-cut oats. Instant oats tend to overcook and would not be a good fit for this recipe.
Moong dal: This is another key ingredient in this recipe, providing extra protein as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Mixed vegetables: Use your choice of vegetables. I added frozen mixed vegetables with green beans, peas, and carrots to get a bright-colored dish.
Spices: You need just the basic spices for this dish: Cumin seeds, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and black pepper powder. If you need a spicy dish, add green chilies or red chili powder.

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

Wash and rinse the oats and moong dal in clean water 2- 3 times. Drain it and place it aside.

An instant pot is with oil, ginger ans spices on the saute mode.

Press the saute button and add oil and cumin seeds to the Instant pot.

Once cumin seeds start to sizzle, add chopped ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Saute for 30-40 seconds.

A pot is with spices and onions for khichdi.

Add the chopped onions and saute until translucent. Add chopped tomatoes and stir well.

A pot is with mixed vegetables, and spices for khichdi.

Add frozen mixed vegetables and spices and saute for a minute.

An instant pot is with vegetables, oats and moong dal for khichdi.

Add the drained oats and moong dal, and mix everything well. Add water and stir again.

An instant pot is with oats khichdi mixture.

Close the Instant pot with the lid and lock it in place. Set Instant Pot on manual or pressure cook mode for 6-8 minutes under high pressure.

At the end of the timer, use the manual pressure release.

An instant pot is filled with oats khichdi.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves (Cilantro).

Enjoy the oats khichdi with a side of Indian pickle or with yogurt.

Storage

You can store the Instant Pot oats khichdi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply microwave or heat over a low flame until warmed through. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal!

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this khichdi with rolled oats?

You can use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats to make Instant Pot khichdi. Just be sure to use a smaller amount of liquid, as rolled oats usually require less cooking time.

Can we eat oats khichdi for dinner for weight loss?

Yes, oats khichdi is a healthy and filling meal that can help you lose weight by providing sustained energy and satiety throughout the day. Use the goodness of oats in supporting your weight loss efforts.

Do I need to soak the steel-cut oats for khichdi?

No, soaking is not necessary for Instant Pot oats khichdi. You can add the oats and dal directly to the Instant pot and the remaining ingredients. This will save you time and help ensure that your oats cook evenly.

Tips

If you want a thicker consistency, use less water when cooking the Instant Pot oats khichdi.
You can add more or fewer vegetables, as desired.
To add extra flavor and texture to this recipe, toast the steel-cut oats in a dry pan over medium heat before adding them to the Instant pot.
For a no-onion and no-garlic khichdi, skip the onions. The difference in taste is barely noticeable.
You could substitute moong dal with masoor dal, with no major change in taste and consistency.
If the dish turns out too spicy, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to temper it down.
Adding a bay leaf when the spices are sautéed adds great flavor.