This easy to make quinoa masala khichdi is a healthy, flavorful, nutrient packed meal that is a protein rich comfort food. You can serve this for any meal. Pair it with some pickles, papad, or yogurt for a great meal.
Why Quinoa Masala Khichdi?
Khichdi is a comfort food made with a mixture of rice and dal, and is ideal for all ages and for all meal. It is mild or spicy based on individual preferences. Khichdi or kichuri is an every day food as well as special or festive occasion food.
This quinoa masala khichdi is special and unique as it gets it flavors with the whole spices and spice powder like chili or cayenne, corainder powder. These give an uplift in flavor.
Further, since it is made with quinoa, and that makes this khichdi go up in nutrient profile. This quinoa khichdi is ideal for all ages.
In addition, this recipe used split moong dal with skin. This further adds not only to the protein but also the fiber content as well. With tons of veggies, quinoa, and dal, this khichdi is a satisfying and comforting meal that our family loves.
Since this is made in Instant Pot, the active cooking time is also less. You can cook this in a regular pressure cooker too.
Ingredients
The following ingredients will be needed to make this delciious and protein rich khichdi.
Quinoa - This recipe uses regular quinoa. This enhanes the protein content and nutritional profile. You could also use tricolor quinoa in this recipe.
Split moong dal with skin - This dal not only adds to the protein content but also to the flavor and fiber content.
Ghee - adds a nutty flavor
Salt - gives flavor
Spices - cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, mustard add to the aroma and flavor.
Thai chili, dried red chili, cayenne/chili powder - these give the spicy heat to the khichdi. You may adjust the quantity as per your heat tolerance.
Asafetida - This pungent ingredient aids in digestion.
Turmeric - Adds to the color and immune boosting benefits.
Vegetables - carrot, peas, beans, potato, spinach give an amazing nutrition in this khichdi. You can adjust the quantity or the type of vegetable based on what you may have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting khichdi is great to serve for any meal or any day. You can serve it as such with a dollop of ghee and it makes a heavenly meal. A couple of papads add to the delciious story and you may also serve it with kochumber or yogurt too.
Storage
This khichdi is great to store at room temperature for a few hours depending on your region's temperature. However, it is best to store in the refrigerator if you have any leftovers. You can store it for 4 to 5 days. You can warm this in microwave and serve it hot with a dollop of ghee. This makes it a great one to have the leftovers for next day lunch.
Vegan Options
This recipe uses ghee to cook the khichdi like the traditional khichdi recipe. Ghee adds. a nutty flavor and increases the flavor phenomenally. Serving this with a dollop of ghee is the ultimate way to serve. This recipe is not vegan as this recipe uses ghee.
However, you could use oil instead of ghee for a vegan version. Coconut oil also extends a great flavor to the khichdi and you may use it too.
More Khichdi Recipes
Like I said earlier, khichdi is a comfort food and is budget friendly too. There are many ways to make khichdi. You can swap rice for any other grains, use mixed dal or a different type of dal everytime to add a flair to the recipe.
This Power Khichdi, made with quinoa is yet another bversion with increased protein as well as greens. This vibrant khichdi with spinach is an alltime favorite.
You may make this Mixed Millet and Dal Khichdi where in mixed type of millets and mixed dals are utilized providing a variety for flavor as well as nutrition.
Khichdi recipe like Pongal and Bhoger Khichuri are served for special occasion as well as evevryday food. This is pure comfort in every bite!
Lastly, khichdi need not be made with grains at all. Make this delicious Sabudana Khichdi with tapioca pearls. This is another family favorite!
Brunch Ideas
This quinoa masala khicdi along with this Masala Papad, kochumber, raita, poha, poori, Chana masala, Buttermilk, Lychee Rose Lassi makes a divine and unforgettable brunch! This menu makes the occasion extra special and it has something for everyone.
You could also serve the Sabudana Khichdi with a cup of Mango Lassi on the side. For a vegan brunch idea, I would recommend this Scrambled Tofu Bowl and Limonana. Sometimes we love to have Tacos de Papa with Mango Ginger Lemonade. Have you tried these ideas?
Masala Quinoa Khichdi
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Quinoa
- ½ Cup Split Moong Dal with skin
- 3½ cups Water divided
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 Dried red chili
- 1 Thai chili
- ¾ cup Onion chopped
- 1½ tsp Garlic finely chopped
- 1½ tsp Ginger finely chopped
- ½ tsp Mustard
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 Curry leaves
- ⅕ tsp Asafetida
- 1 inch Cinnamon
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Cardamom
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Chili powder
- ½ tsp Coriander powder
- 1¾ tsp Salt
- ½ cup Carrot diced
- ¾ cup Potatoes dices
- ⅓ cup green beans chopped
- ½ cup Peas frozen
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 cup Tomatoes chopped
Instructions
- Switch on the Instant pot in Saute mode. Heat the ghee and add the spices. Fry for 30 seconds, then add the ginger garlic, onions and saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add the veggies, rinsed quinoa and dal, water, turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt.
- Set the mode to Pressure cook and cook for 3 minutes. After 5 minutes, release the pressure. Add 1/4 cup water and adjust the consistency. Check the taste and adjust salt as per taste.
- Drizzle extra ghee on top, sprinkle cilantro and serve it hot.
More Brunch Recipes
- Black Bean Hummus from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls from Jolene's Recipe Journal
- Easy Bacon Hashbrown Casserole from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Greek Omelettes with Easy Tzatziki Sauce from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
Cindy says
I'm loving all these flavors!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Cindy!
Marcelle says
I don't make quinoa nearly enough, this will be a nice change of pace for us. So much flavor mixed in to this dish!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, with tons of flavor this will be a winner in your home as well. Thanks Marcelle.
Christie says
I used to make quinoa all the time before it was super popular. I haven't made it in years now. I'll have to change that and try this hearty dip. It looks packed with delicious and healthy ingredients.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Christie! I can guaranrtee you'll love this.
Jolene says
I eat lots of quinoa but never packed with so many great flavors like this!