Nutrition

Kitcheree: Easy lentil and rice stew Instant Pot recipe for new moms

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December 29, 2023
Khichdi ( veggie lentil and rice stew) is a traditional healthy Indian food which is a unique blend of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals that is easy to digest. It is traditionally the first meal given to a new mother after she gives birth.
I shared this recipe with multiple new moms and friends, who called it a pot of gold.
OVERVIEW
  • Serves 3-4
  • Cooking time 25 min (almost all is hands off)
  • Cleaning time 5 min

INGREDIENTS
  • ½ cup rice (brown or white)
  • ½ cup yellow or green lentils (moong dal, available in Indian stores)
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter, available in Indian stores) or olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional — and really nice for a hearty touch: ½ cup chopped frozen or dry or fresh veggies such as tomato, spinach, carrots, peas.

KITCHEREE INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTANT POT
  1. Wash the rice and Moong Dal in a large bowl or pot.
  2. Turn on “Saute” mode on instant pot
  3. Add 2 teaspoon of ghee or olive oil
  4. When ghee is melted, add turmeric, cumin and veggie mix and saute for 30-40 secs
  5. Add rice and lentil mix
  6. Add 4 cups of water
  7. Add salt
  8. Turn instant pot setting to pressure cooker
  9. Put on and close the lid
  10. Set the pressure cook time for 20 min
  11. After 20 min are done, wait for 10 min for steam to release. Serve hot. It’s best with a teaspoon of ghee on top and alongside a scoop of plain yogurt.
  12. Enjoy!

To reheat, add a splash of water and boil it for 5 min

Watch the recipe on YouTube.

Melt 2 tablespoon ghee or olive oil in instant pot
Saute turmeric and cumin powder for 10 secs
Add 2 cups of frozen or fresh veggies of your choice
Add rice and lentil mix
Add 4 cups water and salt and pressure cook for 20 min
After 20 min are done, wait for 10 min for steam to release. Serve hot. It’s best with a teaspoon of ghee on top and alongside a scoop of plain yogurt.