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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes

    Instant Pot Khichdi

    Published: October 5, 2021 · Modified: October 5, 2021 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 14 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    A bowl of khichdi with spoon is on the table.

    Here's a recipe for a savory concoction of rice and spices with the Instant Pot, in Indian style. With a short, information-packed video and step-by-step directions, learn how to make Masala Khichdi with the Instant Pot.

    A bowl of masala khichdi is on the table along with tomato pickle this recipe

    Instant Pot Khichdi is a healthy and nutritious option that is packed with protein and a host of nutrients. You can prepare it with or without the spices and either way, it is one easy-to-digest vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free recipe that fits well for any age group.

    With a perfect balance of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices, this can be your power-packed breakfast option because it has a full serving of fiber, carbs, and protein.

    I like the fact that the cooking time is really short with this recipe and it's easy to prepare it as a one-pot dish for 4 people.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients note
    • Instructions
    • Types of rice and lentils
    • Khichdi in different languages
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Expert tips
    • You might also like
    • 📖 Recipe

    I realize that vegetable is a fairly generic term, but that is the beauty of it! You can add all kinds of veggies based on your or your family's preference. I try and mix up the veggies to get a colorful Khichdi that will kindle any appetite.

    Inspired by my dalia khichdi, this dish pairs great with this amazing lemon pickle recipe. But it can also be a standalone recipe without any pairings. The trick is in adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

    Preparing the Khichdi using the Instant Pot instead of the traditional pressure cooker method is a game-changer.

    After you notice how easy and clutter-free it can be, you will not try it any other way...

    Ingredients note

    Khichdi ingredients are on the table like peas, corn, carrots, rice and lentils
    • Rice: I have tried this with Jasmine rice as well as Sona masoori rice and they both work equally well. Be sure to adjust the water level based on the kind of rice you use. For this recipe, the measurements are based on white Sona Masoori rice.
    • Vegetables: As I mentioned before, you can add any variety of vegetables to this recipe. I used carrots and peas, to keep it simple. Other great additions are cauliflower florets, potatoes, corn, etc.
    • Masoor dal: Masoor dal is also known as red lentils. This is perfect for the khichdi recipe. Apart from providing nice color contrast, the red lentils are also the source of protein in this dish.
    • Spices: Freshness of spice matters a lot for a recipe such as this one. Use fresh spices like red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and turmeric powder.

    Check the recipe card for exact measurements.

    Instructions

    An instant pot is with spices, onions, and garlic with heat on.

    Add oil to the inner pot in Instant Pot and press the saute setting. As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds.

    Follow up by adding onions, grated ginger, and green chilies. Stir constantly for a minute.

    A pot is with tomatoes and spices for khichdi

    Add tomatoes and continue to stir for at least a minute.

    A pot is with spices and vegetables for khichdi recipe

    Add all the spices and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

    An instant pot is filled with peas, corn and chopped carrots

    Now add all veggies and salt and continue to mix them well to get an even coat of spices on the veggies.

    • A pot is with vegetables and lentils for khichdi
    • A pot is with lentils, rice and vegetables for khichdi.

    Add rinsed rice, lentil, and water. Give it a good stir one last time.

    An instant pot is with rice, lentil and water for khichdi recipe

    Close the lid of the instant pot and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position.

    An instant pot is displaying cooking time on the counter.

    Select the pressure cooking option and set the time for 7 minutes.

    When time is up open the lid using natural release.

    An instant pot is with khichdi on the counter top.

    Instant Pot Khichdi is ready! Mix and serve hot with your favorite chips or Indian pickles!

    Types of rice and lentils

    To make Instant Pot Khichdi, short-grain rice is the best bet. However, I have used Jasmine rice for this recipe, because it cooks easily and blends with the flavors better than most rice varieties, and brings the right consistency.

    You could also try this with sona masoori brown rice. But be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.  

    My other favorite lentil for this recipe is Moong Dal. Kichdo prepared with plain rice and moong dal are also best for babies because it is easy to digest and provide a burst of energy.

    I have also tried variations with Masoor and Toor Dal (Split Red Gram) and they were all pretty good too. Regardless of which one you choose, the protein per serving is still pretty high.

    Masoor Dal (Split Red Lentil) adds a bright color to the dish and hence ends up being the most common choice.

    Khichdi in different languages

    Here's a fun fact...this popular one-pot meal is called by different names and with slight variations. Although Khichdi is the most common, it is also called "Khichuri". In the southern parts of India, it is known as "Pongal" and the British call it "Kedgeree".

    Recipe FAQ's

    It is possible to make Khichdi without clarified butter a.k.a ghee?

    The answer is yes! Without any compromise in taste, Masala Khichdi can be prepared with plant-based oils.  If you have not tried it that way, just follow my step-by-step directions and you will not be disappointed.

    How long can we store the instant pot khichdi?

    This vegetable khichdi stays good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

    Can we make the khichdi without using rice?

    Yes, you can also make khichdi without rice. Substitute the rice with wheat, dalia, quinoa, or millet. Just be sure to adjust the water ratio and the cooking time accordingly.

    Expert tips

    The best and authentic khichdi recipe calls a mushy and soft texture, served hot. But it really comes down to your preference. Like I mentioned before, using Jasmine rice helps in getting the consistency that I am going for.

    If you are not using an Instant Pot, be sure to separate the boiled veggies from the water before you mix them.

    A bowl khichdi is on the white surface.

    You might also like

    • Dalia Khichdi 
    • Palak Dal Recipe (Instant Pot)
    • Instant Pot Dal Fry
    • Instant Pot Lentil Curry
    • Instant Pot Tomato Rice
    • Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup
    • Dal Tadka Instant Pot
    • Easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice

    Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
    And let me know what you loved about it in the comments.

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    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of instant pot khichdi is on the table with spoon inserted.

    Instant Pot Khichdi

    Uma Raghupathi
    Learn how to make Masala Khichdi using an Instant Pot with the help of short video and detailed step by step directions. This nutritious one-pot dish is a combination of rice and lentils, vegetables and some powerful spices.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time:10 mins
    Cook Time:15 mins
    Total Time:25 mins
    Course :Breakfast, lunch
    Cuisine :Indian
    Diet :Vegan
    Allergen :Dairy free, Gluten free
    Difficulty :Easy
    Servings 4 People
    Calories 243 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Vegetable Chopper

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1 medium-size red or white onion chopped
    • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
    • 2 green chilies chopped (optional)
    • 1 large tomato chopped
    • ¼ cup frozen peas
    • ¼ cup frozen corn
    • 2 carrots chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon garam Masala powder
    • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
    • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
    • Salt to taste
    • Asafoetida - optional
    • 1 cup rice - sona masoori rice or jasmine rice
    • ½ cup masoor dal - Split Red Lentil
    • 4 cups water - add 1 more if like a porridge consistency
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add oil to inner pot in Instant Pot and press the saute setting.
      2 tablespoon coconut oil
    • As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds.
      1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • Follow up by adding onions, grated ginger, and green chilies. Stir constantly for a minute.
      1 medium-size red or white onion chopped, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 green chilies chopped (optional)
    • Add tomatoes and continue to stir for at least a minute.
      1 large tomato chopped
    • Add all the spices and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
      ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon garam Masala powder, ½ teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon red chili powder
    • Now add all veggies and salt and continue to mix them well to get an even coat of spices on the veggies.
      ¼ cup frozen peas, ¼ cup frozen corn, 2 carrots chopped
    • Add rinsed rice, lentils, and water. Give it a good stir one last time.
      1 cup rice, ½ cup masoor dal, 4 cups water
    • Close the lid of the instant pot and turn the steam release handle to the sealing position. Select the pressure cooking option and set the time for 7 minutes.
    • When time is up open the lid using natural release.
    • Instant Pot Masala Khichdi is ready! Mix and serve hot with your favorite chips or Indian pickles!

    Video

    Notes

    • The best and authentic khichdi recipe calls a mushy and soft texture, served hot. But it comes down to your preference. 
    • Using Jasmine rice helps in getting the consistency of khichdi.
    • If you are not using an Instant Pot, be sure to separate the boiled veggies from the water before you mix them.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @simplesumptuouscooking or tag #simplesumptuouscooking!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srini

      January 18, 2022 at 7:47 pm

      Loved it! Thanks for the recipe5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        January 19, 2022 at 7:20 am

        Thanks 🙂

        Reply
    2. Geetanjali Tung

      December 07, 2018 at 4:18 am

      I love khichdi and this one looks super yummy. An easy and filling dish and this is the perfect time for this. Lovely share!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Freda

      December 06, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      Khichdi looks fabulous, Uma! One of the few meals I started making in the IP recently and totally loving it, in fact, that's what is cooking right now 🙂5 stars

      Reply
    4. Ruchi

      December 05, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Love any type of khichdi.. Your version looks amazing. Khichdi with a bowl of chilled curd and i am done... Yumm5 stars

      Reply
    5. Praneetha

      December 04, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      One-pot meals are always the most opted ones at ours. Thanks for sharing a nice recipe that can be added to my list of healthy and quick meals.

      Reply
    6. Lata Lala

      December 04, 2018 at 5:41 pm

      Instant pot masala khichdi seems fuss free and easy. This is such a healthy one pot meal.5 stars

      Reply
    7. Padma Veeranki

      December 04, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Masala khichdi is one of our favourite one pot meals...Never tried in instant pot though....Looks like it works great...Loving it!!

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        December 04, 2018 at 5:46 pm

        Thank you Padma!

        Reply
    8. Geetha Priyanka

      December 03, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      Using instant pot sounds like a easy and fuss free way to make a delicious dish. Thanks for sharing healthy kichdi recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        December 03, 2018 at 11:22 pm

        Thank you Geetha! Yes it’s a big fuss free dish:)

        Reply
    9. Priya Suresh

      December 03, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      Wat a wonderful,healthy and delicious one pot meal, prefect for lunch box. Looks like Instant pot rocks.. You guys are coming up with different dishes cooked through Ip. Well Done.

      Reply
    10. Sandhya

      December 03, 2018 at 4:29 am

      I am a huge khichadi fan Uma and like to try different khichadi recipes. Thanks for sharing your recipe.5 stars

      Reply
    11. amrita

      December 02, 2018 at 11:54 am

      Good to know that instant pot makes the job so easy... comfort meal anytime

      Reply

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