My Adventures in the Kitchen: Making Khichdi in the Microwave
My Love for Comfort Food
I love comfort food – those warm, hearty dishes that bring back memories of cozy nights and happy times spent with loved ones. One such dish that holds a special place in my heart is Khichdi, a delicious and nutritious rice and lentil dish from India. Traditionally cooked on the stovetop, I recently discovered a quick and easy way to make Khichdi – in the microwave! Let me share my adventures in the kitchen and guide you through this simple recipe.
Why Khichdi?
Khichdi, often referred to as “hug in a bowl,” is a staple dish in Indian cuisine. It consists of rice and lentils cooked together, seasoned with spices, and sometimes accompanied by vegetables. Aside from being incredibly tasty, Khichdi is also incredibly healthy. It’s a complete protein, packed with fiber, and rich in essential nutrients. Moreover, it is a fantastic dish to make when you’re short on time, as it requires minimal effort and can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
What You’ll Need
To make Khichdi in the microwave, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Let the Magic Begin
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start the magic of making Khichdi in the microwave.
1. Rinse the rice and lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any impurities and excess starch.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rinsed rice, lentils, water, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding vegetables, you can add them at this stage as well.
3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow the steam to escape.
4. Microwave the mixture on high for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, give it a stir, and cover it again.
5. Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook for another 15 minutes on medium power. Remember to stir the mixture once or twice during this time to ensure even cooking.
6. After 15 minutes, check the consistency of the Khichdi. If it is too dry, add a little bit of water and cook for an additional 2 minutes. If it is too wet, cook for another 2 minutes uncovered.
7. Once the Khichdi is cooked to your desired consistency, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Garnish and Serve
The Khichdi is now ready to be garnished and served. Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a small pan and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma. Then, drizzle this tempering over the Khichdi and give it a gentle mix.
Now, grab your favorite bowl, scoop some warm Khichdi, and serve it with a dollop of ghee, a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The combination of flavors and textures will surely transport you to a happy place!
Experiment and Personalize
The beauty of Khichdi lies in its versatility. You can experiment and personalize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. You can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach to make it even more nutritious. You can adjust the spices to make it spicier or milder. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting and healthy meal but don’t have much time to spare, try making Khichdi in the microwave. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body and soul. Happy cooking!