Family Friendly Vegetable Quinoa Khichdi

Easy, tasty, and nutritious dal quinoa khichdi!

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This one pot dal quinoa khichdi is quick and easy way to make using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Within minutes you can have a protein and fiber rich Indian porridge that the whole family can enjoy. I add fresh vegetables to the pot, subtle spices such as cumin powder and moong dal for extra protein. A go-to meal that needs to be on repeat in every household.

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Vegetable Dal Quinoa Kichdi

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Khichdi is a traditional food that is eaten in India and quite frankly even considered a first food. A porridge type texture that is made with rice, lentils, and vegetables which is cooked well and topped with a generous portion of ghee. This food can be found throughout India with different variations. My variation here includes a healthy twist with the addition of quinoa making it Quinoa Kichdi.

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How this recipe came about

When I began my journey to eat cleaner and better, I missed khichdi. With the addition of quinoa to my diet being used a few times a week as a rice replacement, I figured why not give this a try. The first few attempts were a bit interest, since quinoa does not use the same method as rice. However, over the years I began to use an Instant Pot and life definitely became easier to make Quinoa Khichdi!

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What vegetables do you add to quinoa khichdi?

The same vegetables you would add to khichdi can be added here. I personally have a handful of favorites and will use any combination of those or whatever I have on hand. This includes, but not limited to, the following:

1. pigeon peas
2. potatoes
3. kale/spinach
4. carrots
5. green peas
6. torai (Chinese okra)
7. eggplant
8. onions
9. tomatoes
10. anything your heart desires!

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Does Indian Quinoa taste good?

I personally have never had quinoa in India and when I introduced it to my family it was new to them as well. However, Indian flavored quinoa recipes are very tasty. With the addition of Indian spices quinoa can taste great. A simple spice such as cumin goes a long way, so there is no doubt in my mind when I say Indian Recipes with Quinoa are some to keep on hand and in rotation. It's also a great way to introduce spices and nutrition to kids.

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Can you use rice instead of quinoa?

Yes! Absolutely! There are no variations to the recipe if you substitute rice for quinoa as long as the rice you are using is jasmine or basmati. With other variations such as brown rice, wild rice, etc the measurements change so I recommend jasmine rice and basmati rice as an alternative.

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What do you pair Quinoa Khichdi with?

I personally love it as a main dish, but a few condiments pair really well with it such as a salad that includes cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. It also can be served with papad, chaas (yogurt drink), chutney, raita/cilantro sauce, and spicy achaar.

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Kid Friendly Khichdi Recipe

This is a great first food to give to babies 6 month and over, after a doctor has cleared his/her diet for this type of food. Make it with only rice or only quinoa, but the introduction of spices is a great habit with this recipe. I personally did not give salt or sugar to my little kids. Be sure to see if this is something you want to adapt for your little ones and make the changes accordingly.

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Dal Quinoa Khichdi Recipe