Khichdi means “comfort.” It is a basic mixture of rice, dal, vegetables, and a few robust spices that is a staple throughout India. Khichdi is simple and heartfelt, satisfying your appetite in the most relaxing way possible. The best part is that making khichdi takes no time or talent. Simply combine rice, dal, and vegetables in a pot and season with your favorite tadka. However, as you go, you will notice that the spices in the tadka differ depending on the palate of the natives. Then there are those that replace rice with healthier alternatives to make khichdi suitable for diabetics or those on a weight loss plan. Today, we’ll show you how to make a khichdi variation that enhances the flavor of the dish. It’s a simple dal khichdi with a pinch of bajra. Let us take a deeper look.

What Makes Khichdi So Popular in India?

1. Simple to make

Whether you’re too busy or too lazy to prepare, a bowl of khichdi will always come in handy. Simply place everything on the stove and bring to a boil. Finally, serve with a tasty tadka, a dollop of ghee, and some achar and papad on the side. That’s all!

2. Contains the following fundamental ingredients

Khichdi is quite adaptable. You can experiment with the elements to your liking. But don’t worry, you don’t need to go overboard with the ingredients because the dish can be readily created with what you already have on hand. Try different varieties of dal and vegetables from your refrigerator the next time you prepare khichdi for yourself.

3. Completing

A traditional khichdi dish comprises dal and rice, both of which are high in protein and fiber and easily satisfy hunger. That isn’t everything. It also keeps you full for a long period, minimizing cravings.

4. High in nutrients

As previously said, rice, dal, and veggies include every important nutrient our bodies require to function properly. In addition, the spices act as an antioxidant, speeding up digestion and metabolism and clearing out excess toxins from the body.

How Bajra Improves the Nutrition of Khichdi

Much has been written about millet’s health benefits. As a result, India has designated 2023 as the “Year of Millets.” According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, bajra is one such popular millet that “helps protect, nourish, and heal all at once.” She goes on to say that 100 grams of bajra contain 361 calories, 67 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein, 42 grams of calcium, and a variety of other vital minerals. Let’s take a look at some of its most important health benefits.

– Aids in weight loss:

Bajra includes fiber and complex carbohydrates, which slow digestion and aid in weight loss.

– Promotes digestive health:

The insoluble fiber in bajra acts as a probiotic, aiding

digestion and metabolism and preventing bloating, indigestion, and acidity, among other things.

– Controls blood sugar:

Bajra has a low glycemic index (GI), which helps avoid glucose increases in the body. This reduces the risk of diabetes even further.

 Prevents heart risks:

Bajra is high in magnesium, which reduces the danger of high blood pressure and so lowers the risk of heart disease.

– Manages hemoglobin:

Bajra contains trace amounts of iron, which help you stay energized and maintain blood and oxygen levels in the body.

Bajra Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe

The recipe is quite simple. Follow the same steps as for traditional dal khichdi, except substitute bajra for rice. Just make sure it’s a 2:1 ratio of bajra and moong dal, pressure boiled with water slightly higher than the bed of dal and bajra. For the correct consistency, pressure cook it over medium heat for up to four whistles.