Samack Khichdi: A One-Pot Meal with a perfect balance of nutrition

Are you looking for a quick and healthy meal that is easy to make and satisfying to eat? Look no further than Samack Khichdi – a traditional Indian dish that is a perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber.

This dish is a popular comfort food in India, and is often served as a complete meal on its own, or with a side of yogurt, pickle, or papadum. It is also a great option for anyone looking to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, as it is high in fiber and protein, and low in fat, it is a one-pot and easy to cook meal which gives it extra points. 

One of the main benefits of Samack Khichdi is its ability to promote digestive health. The combination of rice and lentils creates a complete protein, which helps to maintain muscle mass and support digestive function. The high fiber content in the dish also aids in digestion, and can help to reduce cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.

If that was not enough, it is a very versatile dish as well. While it is traditionally made with rice and lentils, you can experiment with different grains and legumes to create your own unique version of the dish. You can also add a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and potatoes, to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.

Here’s a recipe for Samak Khichdi:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
• 1/2 cup potatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon rock salt (sendha namak)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the samak rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add cumin and coriander seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the chopped potatoes, green beans, and carrots to the pan and sauté them for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, green peas, grated ginger, and green chilies to the pan and sauté them for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the soaked samak rice to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.
6. Add 2 cups of water to the pan, along with rock salt and black pepper. Mix well.
7. Cover the pan and cook the khichdi on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
8. Once the khichdi is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
9. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Samak Khichdi!