Vegetable Dalia Khichdi | Broken Wheat with Vegetables and Red Lentils

Vegetable Dalia Khichdi | Broken Wheat with Vegetables and Red Lentils

Author: Rumki Paul
Course: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3-4 Persons

Vegetable Dalia Khichdi is one of the most popular healthiest dishes in the subcontinents of South Asia, especially in India. It is a palatable one pot meal which can be served as breakfast, lunch or dinner. In this preparation, Dalia (Broken Wheat) is cooked with Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) and vegetables like Onion, Potatoes and Carrots in some spices.

Dalia is used as a member of Indian cuisine since ages and various sweet and savoury dishes are prepared with this magical ingredient. It is used to prepare Kheer, Pudding, Lapsi, Upma, Khichdi, Salad, Soup and many more. Dalia is also known as broken Wheat, Bulgur and cracked Wheat.

The texture of Dalia (Broken Wheat) is very soft and it’s very easy to eat for kids and aged people too. The taste of Dalia is little bit dull. So, most people of young generation try to avoid it. But according to me, there are quite good recipes of Dalia that can be very tasty without spoiling its health benefits in any preparation.

In this preparation, other than Onion and Ginger, I have added some more vegetables like Potatoes, Carrots, Tomatoes and red Bell Peppers which makes the dish both healthier and tastier at the same time.

To prepare Vegetable Dalia Khichdi, first I have washed the Dalia (Broken Wheat) and Masoor Dal (Red lentils) and soaked them for half an hour. It cuts the dryness of Dalia (Broken Wheat) and reduces the time of cooking.

I have cooked the Vegetable Dalia Khichdi in pressure cooker. But it can also be cooked in Kadai/Pan or electric cooker. It gets cooked quicker in cooker than pan.

In this preparation, I have not used any whole spice for tempering. I have used Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Chilli powder and Garam Masala powder for flavouring. I have added Ghee (Clarified Butter) at the end. It enhances the taste and flavour of the dish.

Vegetable Dalia Khichdi is a super light and super easy recipe which requires very less effort to get prepared. It requires very limited ingredients to cook. This recipe can be a healthy and delicious addition to our regular busy life.

Health benefits of Dalia (Broken Wheat)

Dalia is full of fibre. Dalia (Broken Wheat) is low in calorie and great for weight loss. It is very easy to digest and very good for our digestive system. It helps in preventing constipation. The high fibre helps to control the cholesterol level of body.

It contains complex carbohydrates which helps to control blood sugar level. Hence it is a boon for diabetic patients.

They are powerhouse of proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is very good for the health of women. It reduces the risk of breast cancer. They are much healthier than junk foods and one of the best food options for babies and growing children as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Dalia (Broken wheat)
• ½ cup Masoor dal (Red lentil)
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Tomato, deseeded and diced
• 1 Carrot, diced
• 1 large Potato, diced
• 1 red Bell Pepper, deseeded and diced
• 1-inch Ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon Chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)
• ½ teaspoon Coriander powder (Dhania)
• ½ teaspoon Garam Masala powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking
• 1 teaspoon Ghee (Clarified Butter)
• 5 cups of Water

1. Take the Dalia (Broken wheat) and Masoor dal (Red Lentil) into a large mixing bowl.
2. Wash them thoroughly in running water.
3. Soak them in water for half an hour.
4. Then drain the water and keep them aside.
5. Put the pressure cooker in flame and let it become dry.
6. Add Oil into the pressure cooker and put the flame in high flame.
7. Once the Oil is hot, turn the gas into low flame and add Onions into the pressure cooker.
   

8. Cook them in medium flame till they become translucent.
9. Add Ginger and cook for some time until the raw smell goes away.
10. Add Potatoes, Carrots and Bell Pepper and give a nice mix.
    

11. Let it cook for 2 minutes in medium low flame.
12. Add Tomatoes and mix them.
13. Cook them in low flame for a minute.
14. Add Salt, Turmeric powder, Chilli powder and mix them well.
15. Cook it for another minute in low flame.
16. Add Dalia and Masoor dal and give a nice mix again.
    

17. Add Cumin powder, Coriander powder and give a nice stir.
18. Cook for 30 seconds in lowest flame.
19. Add Water, Ghee, Garam Masala and stir them.
20. Put the lid on and cook it in low medium flame for 2-3 whistles.