Indian Fried Rice or "Khichdi" (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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This Indian Fried Rice is wholesome, scrumptious, and packed with lentils and fresh veggies. It’s super simple to make, and is naturally gluten-free of charge, vegetarian and vegan. Filled with lots of healthier nutrients, spiced to perfection, it is the great loved ones-friendly 1-pot weeknight meal!

This healthier Indian Fried Rice is 1 of our preferred dishes in our household, and is a modified version of a classic Indian recipe for Khichdi.

It’s comfort meals at it is finest, and tends to make for simple clean up given that all you need to have is 1 pot to make it!

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When I was a kid, we ate Indian meals most evenings for dinner at my residence. On an evening when there wasn’t substantially time to cook, or when we just wanted a light dinner, my mom would make this Indian Fried Rice (or recipe for Khichdi).

This is fantastic as a light meal, or even as a side dish to serve with other heartier principal dishes. I hope you enjoy it as substantially as we do!

What Is Khichdi?

Most recipes for khichdi are just a kind of Indian Fried Rice with Lentils and Vegetables. Kind of like a twist on Asian fried rice.

So what is Khichdi? Simply place, it is an Indian dish made from rice and lentils (dal). Spices and veggies are added for distinct variations, but at its core, it is just stewed rice and lentils. This Indian Fried Rice is deemed pure comfort meals, primarily mainly because it is spending budget friendly, super filling, nutritious, simple to make, and is also 1 of the 1st strong foods that babies consume!

When I was sick, my mom would typically make this recipe for Khichdi for me, given that it is deemed to be detoxifying and cleansing!

And given that this Indian fried rice has such a straightforward base, my version gets a healthier, flavorful makeover that will appeal to children and adults alike!

How to Make Indian Fried Rice

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Recipe Ingredients and Notes

Rice: I utilised a mix of basmati rice and quinoa, but you can use any kind of rice you like!
Lentils: Moong dal is the classic lentil utilised in khichdi. It melts definitely nicely into the rice for a creamy mouth really feel.
Vegetables: I utilised zucchini, carrots and asparagus, but you can use any veggies you have on hand.
Water: For cooking the rice and lentil mixture.
Spices: 3 heaping tsp Khichdi masala is all you need to have. Note: it can also be spelled “Khichadi Masala”
Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Olive Oil: The base of this Indian Fried Rice!
Garnishes: I like topping this recipe with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

How to Make Homemade Khichdi Masala

While you can obtain retailer-purchased masala for this Indian Fried Rice, it is truly super simple to make your personal at property! Here is how to make Khichdi Masala from scratch:

Combine the following in a massive container: 1 Tbsp turmeric, 1 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 Tbsp ground fennel, 1 Tbsp mustard seed, 1 Tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir to mix all of the spices evenly. Store at area temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Wash the mixture of rice, moong dal (lentils) and quinoa till all the sediment is gone and the water runs clear.

Step 2: Saute the onion, garlic, and ginger in 1 tbsp olive oil. Chop all of your veggies. Combine all the components (grains + lentils + vegetables + onion mixture) in a massive pot, add the masala.

Step 3: Bring every little thing to a boil, and then lessen to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes till all the water has been absorbed.

I enjoy how it appears when it is just about prepared to consume! Sometimes the rice gets a small browned on the bottom of the pot, which I do not thoughts at all mainly because I like it a small crispy.

Garnish with cilantro, serve with yogurt if you like!

What Makes This Indian Fried Rice Healthy?

Gluten-Free: If you have an allergy to gluten you do not have to be concerned about it with this recipe for khichdi! It’s complete of yummy components that are naturally gluten-free of charge.
Vitamins and Minerals: Besides getting comfort meals, this Indian fried rice is super nutritious also. In each and every serving, you will get potassium, Vitamins A, C, B6, E and K, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, and more.
Low in Calories: You can love half of the whole recipe for only 243 calories!

Will Kids Enjoy This Recipe for Khichdi?

Absolutely, children will love how comforting and flavorful this recipe for khichdi is. The spices and seasonings are super welcoming and inviting for children. They will most most likely consume a assisting and ask for a small bit more. It will maintain your youngsters filled up also, which indicates they will need to have fewer snacks among meals also!

Recipe FAQs

Can You Make Indian Fried Rice Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can make this a day in advance. Once the recipe has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and spot it in the fridge. It will maintain for up to 4 days. It is also super freezer friendly and will final 3 months in the freezer in an airtight, freezer secure container. You can just defrost it in the fridge the evening just before you are prepared to serve.

How Do You Reheat Khichdi?

For finest outcomes, reheat the khichdi in the microwave or in a massive pot on the stovetop. You will most most likely need to have to add in a small bit of water, so it is the appropriate texture. It will heat up rapidly, so you need to have to maintain an eye on it and stir regularly.

Recipe Variations

This Indian Fried Rice is fantastic all on its personal, but there are a quantity of strategies to modify this scrumptious dish!

With Garnishes: Try Plain Greek Yogurt for added protein and creaminess, chopped cilantro for freshness, ghee for decadence, or chutney for a bit of added spice! Note – if you add Greek yogurt it will not be vegan friendly.

Change Up The Veggies (or add more veggies!): I utilised zucchini, carrots and asparagus, but any vegetables would taste fantastic in this recipe for khichdi. Try spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn peas, broccoli, cauliflower – fairly substantially something functions!

Make it Spicier: Try adding 1 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp chili powder to your spice mixture just before bringing all of the components to a boil.

Change Up The Grain: Rice is the classic base for khichdi, but you can use just quinoa, barley, or even oats!

Top Tips For Making Indian Fried Rice

Don’t overlook to rinse the lentils and quinoa just before you commence to get rid of any sediment that may possibly be present.
If you are generating this recipe for khichdi for a child, then do not use any of the hot spices or salt. I like mixing the lentils, rice and veggies with each other with just a pinch of turmeric, cumin and coriander for small ones. See my recipe for “baby khichdi” right here!
For picky eaters, reduce up your veggies super little. They will “melt” into the lentils and rice and your children will not be capable to choose them out!
For even more flavor, attempt dry roasting your lentils just before combining them with the rest of the components.

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If you have attempted this Indian Fried Rice or any other recipe on my weblog, then please price it and let me know how it turned out in the comments under! You can also Stick to ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more scrumptious, healthier, loved ones friendly meals!