Healthy and Tasty Bajra Khichdi Recipe

 

Introduction to Bajra Khichdi:

Bajra Khichdi is a wholesome dish prepared with pearl millet, lentils, and aromatic spices. This nutritious recipe is not only flavorful but also a comforting meal, often enjoyed across India.

 

Making Bajra Khichdi:

Bajra, along with lentils, is cooked in a pot with water, creating a soft, porridge-like texture. It's seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and sometimes with added vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

 

Preparation Techniques:

1. Millet Choice: Bajra is soaked to soften it before cooking to reduce the cooking time and improve its digestibility.
2. Spice Blend: The spice mix can be customized to suit personal preferences, adding depth and aroma to the dish.

 

Pairing and Serving Bajra Khichdi:

It’s commonly served with yogurt, pickle, or a side of vegetables to create a complete and fulfilling meal.

 

Health Benefits of Bajra Khichdi:

Bajra is a gluten-free grain rich in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. Combined with lentils, it offers a complete protein source and aids in digestion.

 

Cooking Tips for Bajra Khichdi:

1. Consistency: Adjust water quantity for desired consistency—some prefer a thicker, porridge-like texture while others prefer a slightly runny consistency.
2. Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach.

 

Nutritional Value:

Bajra Khichdi provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal.

 

• Portions serving: 5-6 pax
• Preparation time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 50 min
• Calories: 346 cal per portion

 

Ingredients:

• Bajra: 1 cup
• Split green moong dal: ¼ cup
• Ghee: 1 tbsp
• Jeera: 1 tsp
• Dry red chilli: 1 pc
• Hing: ½ tsp
• Garlic (chopped): 1 tbsp
• Onion (chopped): ½ cup
• Salt: 2 tsp
• Tomato (chopped): ½ cup
• Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder: 1 tsp
• Coriander powder: 1 tsp
• Carrot: ½ cup
• French beans: ½ cup
• Green peas: ½ cup
• Water: as required

Tadka:

• Ghee: 1 tbsp
• Jeera: 1 tsp
• Dry red chilli: 1 pc
• Hing: 1 tsp
• Garlic (chopped): ½ tbsp
• Red chilli powder: 1 tsp

 

Method:

1. Preparation:

   • Rinse bajra and split green moong dal separately. Soak them in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Cooking:

   • Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add jeera, dry red chilli, hing, chopped garlic, and chopped onions. Saute until onions turn golden brown.
   • Add soaked and drained bajra and moong dal to the cooker. Stir well.
   • Add salt, chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything.
   • Add chopped carrots, French beans, green peas, and water (enough to cover the ingredients). Mix well.

3. Pressure Cooking:

   • Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame. Allow it to cook for 4-5 whistles or until the bajra and dal are well cooked.

4. Tadka (Tempering):

   • In a separate pan, heat ghee. Add jeera, dry red chilli, hing, and chopped garlic. Saute until garlic turns golden.
   • Add red chilli powder and quickly stir. Turn off the heat.

5. Final Touch:

   • Once the pressure cooker depressurizes, open it carefully. Mash the khichdi slightly with the back of a ladle.
   • Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked khichdi. Mix well.

6. Serving:

   • Serve the piping hot Bajra Khichdi in bowls.

Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful Bajra Khichdi as a wholesome meal!

 

Conclusion:

Bajra Khichdi is a testament to the nutritional richness of millets. Its versatility in flavors and health benefits makes it a delightful addition to a balanced diet, offering both taste and nourishment.

 

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Bajra Khichdi gluten-free? Yes, Bajra is naturally gluten-free, making the khichdi suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

2. Can I make Bajra Khichdi without lentils? While lentils add protein, you can adjust the recipe to omit lentils if preferred.

3. Are there variations of Bajra Khichdi? Yes, variations include adding different vegetables or using other millets like foxtail millet instead of bajra.

4. Is Bajra Khichdi suitable for weight loss diets? Yes, it's a nutrient-dense, low-calorie dish, suitable for weight management when portion sizes are controlled.

5. Can I make Bajra Khichdi without soaking? Soaking helps in digestion and reduces cooking time, but it's possible to make it without soaking, although it might take longer to cook.

6. Can I use other millets instead of Bajra? Yes, you can substitute Bajra with other millets like foxtail millet or sorghum for a similar dish.

7. Is Bajra Khichdi suitable for a diabetic diet? Bajra has a low glycemic index and can be included in moderation in a diabetic diet plan.

8. Can I make Bajra Khichdi spicier? Yes, you can adjust the spice levels by adding more chili or spices according to taste preferences.

 

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