One-Pot South Indian Sambar Khichdi

A delicious twist on regular khichdi! This one-pot Sambar Khichdi combines rice, toor dal, fresh vegetables and aromatic sambar spices to create a wholesome, comforting South Indian meal. Easy to prepare in a pressure cooker and perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients of One-Pot South Indian Sambar Khichdi

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup toor dal
• 1 tbsp oil
• ¼ tsp methi seeds
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• ¼ tsp hing
• 2 dry red chillies
• 2 green chillies, slit
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1½ cups chopped vegetables of your choice
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

Method (Pressure Cooker)

1. Wash and soak the rice and toor dal together for 15–20 minutes. Drain and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add methi seeds, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
3. Add dry red chillies, curry leaves, hing, green chillies and grated ginger. Sauté for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped vegetables, turmeric, red chilli powder and sambar powder. Mix well and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Add the soaked rice and dal along with water and salt. Mix everything well.
6. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 4–5 whistles on medium flame.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open and mix gently.
8. Adjust the consistency with hot water if required. Your delicious one-pot Sambar Khichdi is ready!

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with homemade curd, roasted papad or a side of coconut chutney. ❤️

Healthy Tip: Rice and toor dal provide a combination of carbohydrates and plant protein, while adding different vegetables increases the fibre, vitamins and mineral content of your meal. For a more balanced plate, pair it with a bowl of curd or Greek yogurt.

Recipe tip: If you prefer a softer, more porridge-like khichdi, add ½–1 cup extra water before pressure cooking.