7 varieties of Khichdi from around India

Khichdi has been a quintessential part of our diet since the olden times. Quick to make with just a few simple ingredients, khichdi has satiated us when we were hungry and comforted us when we were unwell. It is also a wholesome meal full of proteins, owing to the combination of lentils with rice. Khichdi fills the body with instant energy and keeps you full for longer. Apart from its abundance of health benefits, khichdi is also a versatile dish. It changes in colour, texture and taste based on the kind of ingredients you use. Did you know that the appearance and flavours of khichdi change from state to state in India? Here are 7 varieties of khichdi from around India you may want to try.

This khichdi from Tamil Nadu is usually made during the celebrations of the harvest season. Pongal is made with lentils, rice and a lot of pure ghee. It is available in both spicy and sweet versions. Sweet or Chakkara Pongal is loaded with roasted dry fruits and offered to deities during puja. On the other hand, savoury or Melangu Pongal is a little spicy with a rich garnishing of powdered pepper. (Image: Instagram/aussie_paapas_kitchen)

This is the only non-vegetarian version of khichdi on this list. The credit for creating this keema khichdi goes to the Nizams of Hyderabad. It tastes similar to biryani that comes from the same region; however, it is cooked differently. The main ingredients in this khichdi are rice, lentils and ground meat. ‘Khatta’ is a tangy side dish somewhat similar to a salan, that is typically served with this khichdi. (Image: Instagram/rima_debnath12)

The founder of Ahmedabad, Sultan Ahmed Shah I is said to be so fond of this khichdi that he used to eat it every single day. The dish is so prevalent in the state that it comes in different forms such as without and with vegetables or savoury and sweet varieties. No matter the type of khichdi you prefer, it will always be served with a bountiful helping of sweet Gujarati kadhi. (Image: Instagram/chatore_guptaji)

Bisi Bele Bhath is a special khichdi due to more than one reason. It is made with toor dal instead of the customary moong dal. However, the primary difference in flavours is because of a unique masala mix that contains a balance of 30 spices. This spice mix gives the khichdi a distinctly savoury taste. It is loaded with a variety of vegetables and served with a generous drizzling of desi ghee. (Image: Instagram/kavithaanandb)

Many people in the state cook khichdi every Saturday. Bihari khichdi gains even more popularity during the Makar Sankranti celebrations. It is also offered as prasad in the puja. Made with ingredients like rice, ginger, chillies, moong dal, urad dal (black gram) and tempering of asafoetida and ghee, this Bihari dish tastes heavenly. It is enjoyed with chokha, a dish made with mashed potatoes and brinjal flavoured with mustard oil, chillies and raw onion, papad and achaar. (Image: Instagram/instagraphyindia)

Typically, Khicuri from Bengal is like a gratifying porridge made with rice, roasted moong dal, desi ghee and ginger. It usually does not contain any garlic or onion as it is offered as a prasad while performing puja. While many people like to eat plain khichuri, others prefer to add peas, potatoes, tomatoes or any vegetables of their choice. This delicious gruel is usually eaten with a variety of vegetable fritters or bhajas. It is a favourite of the people in the state, and some even enjoy it with sweet tomato chutney and fried Hilsa fish. It has a slightly sweet taste as a spoon of sugar is added while making it, but it is spicy too! (Image: Instagram/sharmisbangaliyana)

Rajasthani khichdi is unique as it doesn’t use rice, which is a common ingredient in khichdi elsewhere. Since it is in scarce supply in the state, sorghum (jowar) or bajra (millet) are used as the main ingredient. It is usually served with accompaniments like curd, lehsun (garlic) chutney or pickles. Some people love to garnish their bajra khichdi with roasted dry fruits. (Image: Instagram/cookwithpritam)

By: Shikha Prasoon