Bajre ki Khichdi is the humble winter food that pleases our tastebuds and strengthens our bodies to stay healthy through the season. The khichadi is prepared with a mix of dal and rice like the basic khichadi we’ve always eaten, but with the addition of bajra(Pearl Millet) to it.
Winters are the times to increase our energy reserves and a variety of recipes are there which are enjoyed through the season. Few winter must recipes like Sarson ka Saag, Peas Parantha and Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa).
One of the memories of my childhood is spending plenty of hours on my maternal uncle’s farm-house near NCR. He had a factory with lush farm laden with bajra (pearl millet) crop. And we would run amok in those fields. The benefit of having a crop farm in the family is that your pantry is always full of the organic produce.
We were never short of bajra in the house and enjoyed it thoroughly during the winter season in form of many dishes including bajre ki kheer and bajre ki khichdi.
After moving to Pune, my connect with lot of those core delicacies and dishes were lost. I was busy finding my footing with 2 kids and a family. This past season, I have made conscious decision to add those healthier and richer options back in our diet – I have already introduced my kids and family to gur ki kheer or jaggery pudding, bajre ki kheer, bathue ka raita, etc.
It sounds very desi, core but making it is one of the simplest task you can undertake. Its best cooked with moong dal. Water added is roughly 4 times the total quantity of bajra, rice and dal used. Adding ghee to the bajra khichdi is very important and you must do it. It helps in better digestion of the millet. Pearl Millet Khichdi or Bajre ki Khichdi is best eaten hot, though you can re-heat and again add ghee before serving.
De-husking the bajra is also an important step. It sounds confusing but definitely not when you do it. You may be getting de-husked bajra in your grocery shop, so do check it if this doesn’t work for you.
FAQs
Bajre ki Khichdi or Pearl Millet Khichdi can be very good for your health. Bajra is a nutritious grain high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and can help with digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The combination of Bajra and lentils in Khichdi provides a balanced mix of proteins and carbohydrates, making it a wholesome meal.
What is Bajra Khichdi made of?
Bajra Khichdi is a nutritious dish made mainly from Bajra (pearl millet) and lentils(Such as moong dal or split urad dal). Spices, Ghee, Salt and Water are added for seasoning and cooking.
Bajra Khichdi and Rice Khichdi each have their own health benefits. The choice depends on the individual’s needs and dietary preferences. Bajra Khichdi typically has higher fiber content and a richer nutrient profile as compared to Rice Khichdi. Rice Khichdi might be preferable for ease of digestion and quick energy.
Easy Recipe to Make Healthy Bajre ki Khichdi at Home
Bajre ki Khichdi
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pearl millet bajra
- ¼ cup rice washed
- ¼ cup dehusked green gram moong dal, washed
- 1 tbsp ghee clarified butter
- 1 tsp cumin seed jeera
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder haldi
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- a pinch asafetida hing
- to taste salt
Instructions
- oak pearl millet or bajra in a wet cloth for 15-20 minutes. Moisture will loosen the husk of millet, making it easy to remove. Give soaked millet a very quick pulse in mixer, you don’t want powder, but just enough to separate loosened husk. Remove the pulsed millet into a big platter and blow on them to remove the husk. You may want to be in a area which can be cleaned afterwards or in a garden to absorb all the husk flying. You can do the same step in a mortar and pestle if you have one instead of a mixer.
- In a pressure cook, heat ghee (clarified butter). When it is hot, add asafetida and cumin seeds. When the seeds splutter, add turmeirc powder, salt and red chili powder. Slightly roast them.
- Now add washed dal, rice and bajra to the cooker and gently roast them for few minutes. Add 4 cups of water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. The bajra khichdi is ready. Serve hot with another dollop of ghee and fresh tadka.
Notes
- De-husking the bajra is also an important step. It sounds confusing but definitely not when you do it. You may be getting de-husked bajra in your grocery shop, so do check it if this doesn’t work for you.
- Adding ghee to the bajra khichdi is very important and you must do it. It helps in better digestion of the millet. It is best eaten hot, though you can re-heat and again add ghee before serving.
