oats khichdi – The Pinch of Masala

A Bowl of Warmth on a Busy Day

There are days when I need a meal that hugs from the inside — comforting, light on the stomach, yet nourishing. On those days, Masala Oats Khichdi is my go-to.

I first made it on a rainy afternoon when I had just oats and leftover moong dal in the kitchen. No elaborate prep, no fancy ingredients. Just simple things coming together in a pressure cooker. The first bite — warm, slightly spiced, with the goodness of vegetables — reminded me of the khichdi my mother made, only lighter and faster.

Since then, it has become a weekly staple. Especially during detox days or when I want to eat clean without compromising on taste.

🌿 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

½ cup yellow moong dal (split)

½ cup quick oats

1 tablespoon ghee or oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 pinch of hing (asafoetida)

1 green chili (chopped)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1 tomato (chopped)

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup green peas

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon coriander powder

Salt to taste

3 cups water

Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Optional: 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

🔪 Method

Pressure Cooker Method (Fastest):

1. Wash and soak the moong dal for 10–15 mins (optional for quicker cooking).

2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add a pinch of hing.

3. Sauté green chili, onion, and ginger-garlic paste (if using) for 2–3 mins.

4. Add tomatoes, turmeric, and coriander powder. Cook until tomatoes turn soft.

5. Add chopped carrots and peas. Sauté for a minute.

6. Add moong dal and 3 cups of water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles.

7. Open the cooker and stir in oats. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thick and creamy.

8. Adjust salt. Finish with a spoon of ghee and chopped coriander.

Pan Method:

Follow the same process in a deep pan. Simmer the dal with lid on until soft, then add oats and continue as above. Add more water as needed.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with a dollop of ghee, curd or raita, and papad on the side. A wedge of lemon or mango pickle adds brightness. For a diabetic-friendly version, skip the ghee or go light and add more vegetables.

About the Recipe

Oats Khichdi is a nutritious twist on the classic Indian khichdi, using oats instead of rice. Packed with veggies, yellow moong dal, and basic Indian spices, it’s a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s easy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ideal for busy days, diet meals, or those looking to eat clean without compromising on flavor.

Healthy oats and moong dal khichdi cooked with vegetables, garnished with ghee and coriander.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

½ cup rolled or quick oats

¼ cup yellow moong dal, washed

½ cup chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, capsicum, etc.)

1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

½ tsp ginger, grated

1 green chili, chopped

½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)

1 pinch hing

½ tsp turmeric

1 tbsp ghee or oil

Salt to taste

2½ to 3 cups water

Fresh coriander for garnish

How to Make Oats Khichdi (Step-by-Step)

1. Dry Roast the Oats (Optional)

Lightly roast oats in a pan for 2–3 mins till aromatic. This step adds texture and prevents mushiness. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dal

Cook moong dal in 1 cup water until soft (pressure cook for 1–2 whistles or simmer for 10–12 mins).

3. Tempering & Veggies

1. In a pan or cooker, heat ghee. Add jeera, mustard seeds, and hing.

2. Add onion (if using), ginger, and green chili. Sauté till soft.

3. Add all chopped veggies, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.

4. Combine Oats + Dal

1. Add roasted oats and cooked moong dal to the pan.

2. Pour in 1½ to 2 cups more water (adjust for desired consistency).

3. Add salt, mix well, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until oats and veggies are cooked.

5. Serve

Turn off heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with coriander and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with pickle, papad, or a dollop of curd

Add a drizzle of ghee or lemon juice before serving

Ideal for light dinners, breakfast, or post-illness recovery

Tips & Variations

Use steel-cut oats for more texture (adjust cooking time)

Add spinach, methi, or bottle gourd for added nutrition

Skip onion & garlic for a Satvik/Vrat version

Add pepper & ajwain for digestive-friendly khichdi

Tag: oats khichdi

🌾 Masala Oats Khichdi – Light, Comforting & Wholesome

Oats Khichdi Recipe | Healthy One-Pot Comfort Meal