Wholesome Palak Khichdi – A Winter Comfort Food with a Nutritious Twist
As winter sets in and fresh green spinach floods the markets, it’s the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting dishes packed with flavour and health. One such recipe is Palak Khichdi, a simple yet nutritious meal that beautifully combines the goodness of spinach (palak), rice, and lentils. This dish is not just soothing to the palate but also rich in iron, fibre, and essential vitamins—making it a wholesome one-pot meal ideal for both busy weekdays and leisurely winter lunches.
Palak Khichdi is a delightful way to include seasonal greens in your diet. It’s light on the stomach, easy to digest, and comes together quickly. Whether you’re recovering from an illness or just need something hearty and comforting, this khichdi ticks all the boxes.
Why Spinach is the Star of This Dish ?
Spinach is a winter superfood that brings immense health benefits to your plate. It is rich in iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin C, which help boost immunity, improve digestion, and support bone health. The trick to keeping the spinach vibrant and green is proper blanching—adding it to hot water for just five seconds, then transferring it immediately to an ice bath. This process helps preserve its colour and nutrients.
The spinach is blended into a thick paste with green chillies and lemon juice, adding freshness and a mild heat that cuts through the creaminess of the lentils and rice. Adding the puree at the right temperature is key to keeping the dish visually appealing and flavourful.
Lentils and Rice: The Comfort Combo
Moong dal and rice form the classic base of khichdi, creating a soft, comforting texture that’s easy to cook and even easier to digest. This protein-carb combination provides sustained energy and keeps you full for hours. You can also swap moong dal with chana dal or tuvar dal depending on your taste preference or availability.
Pressure cooking the rice and lentils together with a pinch of salt and water makes the preparation quicker and smoother, especially for weekday meals. Two whistles on medium heat and your base is ready to absorb all the flavours from the spinach and spices.
Aromatic Tadka for Depth of Flavour
No Indian khichdi is complete without a good tadka. The tempering begins with heating a mix of oil and ghee, followed by cumin seeds, dry red chillies, and asafoetida (hing), which brings digestive benefits and a signature aroma. Garlic is added and fried until golden brown—this is crucial, as it lends a rustic flavour and medicinal properties.
Next come finely chopped onions and a blend of ground spices: garam masala, turmeric, and coriander-cumin powder. These spices not only add depth but also enhance the warming nature of the khichdi, making it ideal for chilly days. Chopped carrots and French beans can also be added for extra crunch and nutrition.
Bringing It All Together
Once the masala base is cooked, the prepared dal-chawal mix and spinach puree are added to the pan. Everything is gently combined and simmered for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. The green khichdi looks appealing, smells divine, and tastes comforting in every bite.
To finish, a final tadka is prepared using ghee, sliced garlic, and a dry red chilli. This is poured over the warm khichdi just before serving, adding a nutty aroma and extra richness. Serve your Palak Khichdi with a side of curd, papad, or pickle for a complete, satisfying meal.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
From the antioxidants in spinach to the gut-friendly properties of moong dal and the healthy fats in ghee, this dish covers a spectrum of wellness benefits. It’s low in fat, high in protein, iron-rich, and loaded with fibre—perfect for anyone looking for comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Palak Khichdi is more than just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With minimal ingredients, seasonal produce, and a little love, this humble dish can become a weekly winter staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and experience how something so simple can be so flavourful and nourishing.
