Khichdi is a comforting traditional food from India. It’s a very basic food that is warming, nourishing, and filling and it is even used as a first food for babies. The dish consists of rice and legumes (usually lentils or split mung beans) cooked into a porridge with spices and ghee. Sometimes other vegetables and chilis are included. There are many different types of Khichdi and families tend to put their own spin on this food. This is a one pot meal and a pressure cooker is often used for speedy cooking.
While khichdi is most often gluten free and vegetarian, there are versions that include gluten-containing grains or meat. Be sure to ask the cook which type you’re being served. However, this is also a very easy meal to make at home, so you can make your own variety that is safely gluten free and tailored to your dietary preferences and needs. This is a great food to make if you’re sick, if you’re coming off a fast, or any time you need an easily digestible food that contains complete protein plus a good balance of fat and carbs. This meal is a favorite among practitioners of Ayurveda. The spices used can be tailored to aid your digestion or to take advantage of their healing properties. Because turmeric is often included, this can offer anti-inflammatory benefits.