How To Make Urad Dal Khichdi On Makar Sankranti? Healthy Recipe And Significance

Urad dal khichdi is a wholesome and nutritious dish that holds a special significance, especially during the festive occasion of Makar Sankranti. This traditional Indian recipe combines the richness of urad dal (split black gram) with aromatic rice, creating a comforting urad dal khichdi on makar sankranti. As Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into the northern hemisphere, the celebration is accompanied by the preparation of this traditional khichdi. The dish embodies the essence of festive cooking and offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures.

So whether you are celebrating the festival or simply looking to enjoy nutritious comfort food, this wholesome urad dal khichdi recipe is the best choice. This blog will explore the step-by-step process of making urad dal khichdi at home, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Makar Sankranti! Read on! 

Table Of Contents

1. Significance Of Urad Dal Khichdi On Makar Sankranti

2. How To Make Urad Dal Khichdi At Home?

3. Urad Dal Khichdi Nutrition Value

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

Significance Of Urad Dal Khichdi On Makar Sankranti

Having a special cultural and agricultural significance, Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated across India, marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. Urad dal khichdi on Makar Sankranti is integral to the festive feast for various reasons. Combining urad dal and rice not only symbolises the prosperity of the harvest but also provides a nutritious recipe of dal for weight loss, plus an energy-boosting meal to celebrate the onset of longer daylight hours.

Furthermore, the warming and wholesome nature of urad dal khichdi aligns perfectly with the winter season, offering comfort and nourishment. The festival of Makar Sankranti is often associated with traditional and regional dishes, and urad dal khichdi stands out as a timeless favourite. Its preparation becomes a cherished ritual, bringing families together to share in the joy of cooking, and this is why the best time to eat urad dal khichdi is during this festive season.

How To Make Urad Dal Khichdi At Home?

Makar Sankranti brings you a delightful opportunity to savour urad dal khichdi in various ways, adding a festive touch to this traditional dish. Different regions bring their twists to urad dal khichdi during Makar Sankranti. From the aromatic spices of North India to the coconut mix variations of the South, each region's culinary influence allows you to add natural herbs with aromatic ingredients, making it a unique and memorable part of your celebrations.

Let's take a look at these urad dal khichdi recipe variations made during Makar Sankranti, passed down through generations:

1. Urad Dal Khichdi Mixed With Seasonal Vegetables

Blending urad Dal Khichdi with seasonal vegetables offers a wholesome and nutritious meal. Combining rice, urad dal, and various fresh winter vegetables provides a balanced blend of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, giving overall health benefits and ensuring a nutrient-rich and satisfying dish that supports overall well-being.

Here's how you can make Urad Dal Khichdi Mixed With Seasonal Vegetables:

Ingredients:

• Rice – 100 gm

• Urad Dal - 50 gm

• Green Peas – 50 gm

• Carrot - 1

• Cinnamon – 1 piece

• Clove – 2/3

• Black pepper – 4-5

• Large cardamom – 1/2

• Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp

• Ginger – 1 small piece

• Green chilli - 1 piece

• Tomato – 1

• Cow Ghee – 2 tsp

• Asafoetida – 1/2 tsp

• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

• Red Chilli – 1/4 tsp

• Coriander leaves – 10 gm

• Salt – as per taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Rinse the rice and urad dal under cold water, then soak them for 30 minutes.

2. Cooking in the Pressure Cooker

• In your pressure cooker, heat cow ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and large cardamom to the ghee. Saute for a minute to release their flavours.

• Now, add finely chopped ginger, green chilli, and asafoetida. Stir well until the raw aroma disappears.

• Introduce the chopped tomato and cook until it softens.

• Incorporate the soaked and drained rice and urad dal into the pressure cooker. Mix them with the spices and vegetables.

• Pour in 3 cups of water. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well.

• Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for about 3 whistles or until the khichdi is cooked and the grains are soft.

• Once done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.

3. Final Touch and Serving

• Garnish the Urad Dal Khichdi Mixed With Seasonal Vegetables with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

• Serve it hot with a side of yoghurt or pickle. Now, you can enjoy your nutritious and flavorful khichdi!

Also Read: The Most Popular Bathua Dal Recipe

2. Urad Dal Khichdi With Spinach And Coconut

Enhancing health benefits, urad dal khichdi incorporates spinach and coconut. Spinach, rich in iron and fibre, boosts haemoglobin levels and aids digestion. Including coconut adds healthy fats and a delightful flavour. This variant provides a hearty meal, promotes protein digestion, and supports a well-rounded nutritional intake.

Here's how you can make Urad Dal Khichdi with Spinach and Coconut:

Ingredients:

• Rice – 100 gm

• Urad Dal - 50 gm

• Fresh Spinach Leaves – 1 cup (chopped)

• Grated Coconut – 1/2 cup

• Cumin Seeds – 1/2 tsp

• Ginger – 1 small piece (finely chopped)

• Green Chili - 1 piece (finely chopped)

• Cow Ghee – 2 tsp

• Asafoetida – 1/2 tsp

• Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp

• Red Chili – 1/4 tsp

• Coriander Leaves – 10 gm

• Salt – as per taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation Process

• Start by rinsing the rice and urad dal under cold water, then let them soak for a good 30 minutes.

• In your pot, heat some cow ghee. Once it is warmed up, add cumin seeds and enjoy the sizzle as they infuse the ghee with flavour.

• Now, add finely chopped ginger and green chilli. Stir until the delightful aroma fills your kitchen.

• Introduce the chopped fresh spinach leaves and grated coconut to the mix. Saute until the spinach wilts and the coconut blends in.

• Add the soaked and drained rice and urad dal to the pot. Make sure they get a good coating of all those flavours.

2. Adding Liquids and Seasoning

• Pour in 3 cups of water and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Give it all a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed.

3. Cooking

• Close the lid and let it cook for about 3 whistles or until everything is tender. 

• Once the pressure subsides, open the lid and bring it together with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves.

4. Serving

• Serve it hot and savour the delightful Urad Dal Khichdi With Spinach And Coconut with a dollop of yoghurt or your favourite pickle.

Also Read: Indian Snacks Recipes For Diabetes

3. Urad Dal Khichdi With Mixed Pulses And Pickled Veggies

Combining masoor dal, moong dal, and pickled vegetables adds essential nutrients and a tangy flavour. This variant elevates the taste and provides a healthful mix of probiotics from the pickled veggies and essential nutrients from the pulses, contributing to overall gut health.

Ingredients:

• Urad dal (split black gram) - 1 cup

• Basmati rice - 1 cup

• Mixed pulses (lentils) - 1/2 cup (a combination of red lentils, green lentils, and yellow lentils)

• Pickled veggies - 1 cup (mixed vegetables of your choice, pickled)

• Ghee (clarified butter) - 2 tablespoons

• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon

• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon

• Asafoetida (hing) - a pinch

• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

• Red chilli powder - 1/2 teaspoon

• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon

• Salt - to taste

• Water - 4 cups

Instructions:

1. Preparing Lentils and Rice

• You can start by rinsing the urad dal and basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear.

• After that, you should soak them in water separately for 30 minutes. This process helps soften the grains during cooking.

2. Cooking Lentils and Rice

• Combine the soaked urad dal, cup of rice, and mixed pulses in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt to the pot.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the grains are soft and well-cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Preparing Pickled Veggies

• While the lentils and rice are cooking, you can prepare the pickled veggies if you still need to do so.

• Choose a mix of fresh vegetables such as vitamin C-rich carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, cucumber, or any other vegetables you prefer. Ensure they are washed and cut into bite-sized pieces.

• In a bowl, combine vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices. Common spices include mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and sometimes garlic or ginger for added flavour.

• Heat the pickling solution on the stove until the salt and sugar dissolve. Then, pour the cooled pickling solution over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged. This helps in the pickling process and preserves the veggies.

• Seal the jar or container tightly. Store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or, preferably, overnight. The longer the vegetables marinate, the more intense the flavours become.

4. Seasoning

• In a separate pan, you can start by heating ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Allow the seeds to splutter, releasing their aroma.

• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala to the ghee mixture. Stir well to combine the spices, creating a fragrant seasoning.

5. Combining and Simmering

• Pour the seasoned ghee mixture into the pot with the cooked dal and rice. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavours.

• Let the khichdi simmer for a few additional minutes to allow the spices to meld with the lentils and rice.

6. Adjusting Seasoning and Serving

• Taste the khichdi and adjust the salt according to your preferences.

• Serve the urad dal khichdi hot, garnished with pickled veggies for an added kick of flavour.

• Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful dish as a comforting meal!

Also Read: What Is Balanced Nutrition: Tips, Tricks And More

Urad Dal Khichdi Nutrition Value

Note the given urad dal khichdi nutritional value for reference, and remember it varies based on the quality and quantity you use; also, some cooking ways affect its values:

The Final Say

This is how, bringing together the richness of urad dal and the aromatic goodness of rice, urad dal khichdi on makar sankranti serves as a healthy meal holding cultural and festive significance. As we explored the step-by-step process of making this flavorful khichdi at home, you must have gained insights into the culinary traditions of this festive occasion.

This highlights that rich in protein, fibre, and various essential nutrients, Urad dal supports muscle health and provides sustained energy. Whereas, rice, with its beneficial low glycemic index for diabetes, helps in regulating blood sugar levels and provides a steady release of energy. Thus, urad dal and rice dish creates a flavorful and comforting dish while contributing to your holistic wellness.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to eat urad dal khichdi?

When considering the best time to enjoy Urad Dal Khichdi, you'll find it most satisfying during lunch or dinner, offering you a wholesome and nutritious option that fuels your energy throughout the day.

2. Are there any specific tips to get the perfect texture and flavour in urad dal khichdi on Makar Sankranti?

To make your Urad Dal Khichdi taste perfect, make sure the grains are well-cooked, use the right spices, and add just the right amount of ghee for richness.

3. Can you suggest creative garnishing or serving ideas to present urad dal khichdi on Makar Sankranti?

When serving Urad Dal Khichdi at your celebrations, make it look nice by adding fresh cilantro, serving it with colourful pickled veggies, and putting it in pretty dishes to make it look good.

References

• 5 Health Benefits of Black Gram and its curative properties

• Health Benefits of Rice | The Whole Grains Council

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