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Palak Khichdi

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Palak Khichdi is a comforting Indian rice and lentil dish blended with vibrant spinach, garlic, and warming spices. This wholesome one-pot meal is creamy, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup short-grain rice (Ambe mor or Kali Jeera or similar variety)
  • 1/2 cup mung dal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 to 3 small green chiles
  • 1 pound baby spinach
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 inch ginger
  • 3 tablespoons ghee, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice and mung dal thoroughly and drain.
  2. Add the rice, mung dal, water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt to the Instant Pot insert. Pressure cook for 6 minutes and allow a 5-minute natural pressure release. For a stovetop pressure cooker, cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until 3 whistles.
  3. Bring 8 to 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the green chiles and baby spinach and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  4. Transfer the spinach and chiles to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain completely.
  5. Add the garlic, ginger, blanched spinach, and chiles to a blender and puree until smooth.
  6. Heat the ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook for about 30 seconds until sizzling. Add the diced onion and saute for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
  7. Stir in the garam masala, remaining salt, and spinach puree. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture and stir well to combine. Add extra ghee if desired.
  8. Serve hot with more ghee and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of green chiles based on your preferred spice level.
  • Blend the spinach mixture longer for a smoother texture.
  • This dish thickens as it cools; add hot water when reheating if needed.
  • Serve with yogurt, pickle, or papad for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/palak-khichdi/