Paneer Khichdi

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Rinse the basmati rice and split yellow moong dal together in 2-3 changes of water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well. Dice the paneer into 1.5 cm cubes, finely grate the ginger, and roughly chop the fresh coriander.

   100 g basmati rice80 g split yellow moong dal150 g paneer10 g ginger10 g fresh coriander
2. 2

   Heat a medium heavy pot over medium heat and melt 20 g ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20-30 seconds until fragrant but not dark. Add the grated ginger and asafoetida, stirring briefly so the ginger loses its raw smell.

   20 g ghee1 tsp cumin seeds10 g ginger1 pinch asafoetida
3. 3

   Add the drained rice and moong dal to the pot. Stir for 1 minute to coat them in the spiced ghee; this light toasting helps the khichdi taste nuttier and keeps the grains from turning gluey.

   100 g basmati rice80 g split yellow moong dal
4. 4

   Add the water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover partially, and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring once halfway to prevent sticking on the bottom.

   750 ml water1/2 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp salt
5. 5

   Stir in the frozen peas and paneer cubes. Continue to cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until the rice and dal are very soft and the mixture is creamy and porridge-like. If it thickens too much before the grains are tender, add a splash of hot water.

   80 g frozen peas150 g paneer
6. 6

   Turn off the heat, cover, and let the khichdi rest for 3 minutes so the texture settles. Finish with black pepper, the remaining 5 g ghee, and chopped coriander. Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve hot.

   1/4 tsp black pepper5 g ghee10 g fresh coriander

Origin & History

Khichdi is one of the oldest and most beloved comfort dishes of the Indian subcontinent, made from rice and lentils cooked until soft. It appears in many regional forms, from very simple healing foods to richer festive versions with ghee and vegetables. Adding paneer is a hearty, modern home-style variation that makes the dish more substantial while keeping its gentle, soothing character.