Palak Brown Rice Khichdi was my husband’s contribution to the ongoing mega BM. No, he didn’t cook it, but suggested the combo. As mentioned earlier, both of us are major Khichdi fans and he would gladly dig into a well made Moong Dal Khichdi even on his business / personal trips, while I would scour the buffet for some unknown gems :p
As we make the transition from white polished rice into other grains, Brown rice is one substitute that we enjoyed both for the nutty flavour. It was interesting to read here the difference between brown and white rice, and how important that transition could be.
That said, this dish is a comfort one when not only time , but also taste is paramount. Some of the palak Khichdi dishes I saw online blanched and pureed the palak and used it with the rice , but somehow w preferred it plain.
Add some veggies and you have a complete carb-protein balanced dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend cooking or rushed weekday lunch/brunch/dinner. With some raita or plain curd + pickle, this is a great dish to dig into.
Other dishes with Brown Rice you may like on the blog:
Iyengar Chakkarai Pongal with Brown Rice
Wholegrain Navadhanya Adai (lentils and Brown Rice crepe)
Prep time - 10 mins, Soak time (for brown rice)- 30 mins, Cook time - 15 mins ;
Serves : 2 generously
PIN FOR LATER
Palak Brown Rice Khichdi - Spinach and Brown Rice+ lentil One Pot meal (Gluten free and Vegan)
What you need:
Brown Basmati Rice - 1 cup
(Red Lentils) Masoor Dal - ¼ cup
(Split green gram) Moong Dal - ¼ cup
Spinach / Palak - 2 cups (packed)
Salt - to taste
Ghee / Oil - 1 TBSP
Cumin seeds / Jeera - ½ TBSP
Tomato - 1 medium (opt.)
Veggies : Carrot - ½ (cubed), french beans handful chopped fine, Sweet Corn - 2 handfuls
Whole spices - cinnamon 1 inch, Cloves - 2
Garlic - 2 pods (I didn’t add)
Ginger - 1 inch
How to:
Wash and soak brown basmati rice for minimum 20-30 minutes. Similarly, soak the masoor in another bowl with ½ cup water. Blitz the tomato slightly into chunks and keep aside
Wash, prep spinach, shred and keep aside.
In a pressure cooker, add oil. Splutter jeera and whole spices , Add the spinach, veggies, tomato and saute for 2-3 mins on low flame till the spinach wilts a bit.
Now add the soaked masoor along with water, Add the soaked and drained rice. mix well and add salt.
Add ½ cup more water (or as required) - pls note spinach and tomato also release water while cooking , so add accordingly.
Pressure cook for just 2 whistles and let the pressure come down on its own
Serve hot with curd/ raita / pickle. We loved the spicy, tangy khichdi as is 🙂
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#99
Suma Gandlur says
I thought it was brown rice and was wondering how would it cook for two whistles. 🙂 I too am partial towards these kind of wholesome filling khichdis. It looks lovely.
Kalyani says
Yes, Suma It is Brown Rice. Hence i soaked it for 30 mins. It does get done in 2 whistles after all that soaking.
Sharmila Kingsly says
Even most of the time inised pureed papak rather than fully..will try using whole when I cook next time..
Gayathri Kumar says
This brown rice kichdi loaded with palak and veggies looks absolutely yum Kalyani. I am yet to explore the brown rice recipes.
vaishali sabnani says
I always forget to soak brown rice and end up cooking white , to tell you secretly somehow I like white rice and that too Basmati . My folks call me crazy .
But actually speaking brown rice is good to eat and a Khichadi with it looks delicious .
Harini R says
My folks have given up brown rice and so I have a huge bag of brown basmati rice in my pantry and I am sure I can cook this khichdi and see if they appreciate it 🙂 Looks absolutely fantastic and I love khichdis in any shape or form.
sushma says
I have made plain khichdi with brown rice and masoor dal with mild spices. You dish with veggies looks too good. Perfect and healthy dish for all ages.
Srividhya says
I like the idea of adding plain palak. Puree doesn't work well for all the recipes. This one is really good with the goodness of brown rice. Great share.
Srivalli says
Its nice when family suggests ideas for the themes, involvement really boosts us. This is a fantastic khichdi.
cookwithrenu says
A khichdi with brown rice looks interesting and so colourful and healthy with the addition of palak to it.
Swati says
I usually use pureed palak in my pulao and khichdi..Healthy and wholesome pulao recipe.