You need no occasion to prepare khichdi. Regarded as the most comforting food, khichdi is a traditional dish that has been common in the Indian household for centuries. Made from rice and lentils, khichdi is a nutritious dish that is loved by kids and adults alike.
Khichdi resonates as the symbol of simplicity and nourishment. It is a versatile dish that has endless variations, from the basic moong dal khichdi to the more elaborate vegetable one. Whether you’re enjoying steaming hot khichdi after a hectic day or as a soothing remedy for an upset stomach, khichdi never fails to satisfy both the palate and the soul. Oftentimes, it has happened that when you make khichdi you’re left with extras. What do you do then?
Instead of reheating for another round of the same meal, try making some creative dishes with leftover khichdi. Take a look at some of these creative ways to utilise leftover khichdi.
- Khichdi Paratha
You can easily transform your leftover khichdi into delicious and flavourful parathas. All you need to do is mix the khichdi with some wheat flour, chopped onions, green chillies, and spices like cumin powder and garam masala. Knead it into a dough and roll it into parathas. Later cook them in hot tawa and fry them till golden brown with some oil. Serve khichdi paratha with yoghurt or pickle.
- Khichdi Cutlets
Try making cutlets with your leftover khichdi. Mix the leftover khichdi with breadcrumbs, and chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers, and flavour it with some spices and coriander leaves. Shape the mixture into patties and coat them with breadcrumbs and shallow fry them until crispy and golden brown. Khichdi cutlets make an excellent snack or appetiser.
- Khichdi Upma
You must have had the most popular South Indian rava upma. But have you ever tried khichdi upma that can be made from leftover khichdi? All you have to do is heat some oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, and green chillies. Saute till the onions are soft add the leftover khichdi to it and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until it is thoroughly heated. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with coconut chutney as breakfast or snack.
- Khichdi Soup
Your soul and mind can lighten up with a comforting bowl of khichdi soup. Here, dilute the leftover khichdi with some vegetable or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. You can add some diced vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas to it squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle ground black pepper. Simmer until the vegetables become tender and serve hot by topping it with some chopped coriander leaves.
- Khichdi Pulao
Give your leftover khichdi a new makeover by making delicious pulao with it. To prepare this saute some onions, tomatoes, and vegetables of your choice in a pan. Add the leftover khichdi to it and mix well. Adjust the seasoning and cook until everything is heated thoroughly. Garnish with some fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita for a wholesome meal.
- Khichdi Fritters
Hardly there is anybody who does not like fritters. But have you tried khichdi fritters made from leftover khichdi? Mix the leftover khichdi with besan, chopped onions, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Form small balls or patties from the mixture and deep fry them till golden brown. Serve hot as a snack with chutney or ketchup.
- Khichdi Casserole
You can create a wholesome and hearty khichdi casserole using your leftover khichdi. Layer the khichdi in a baking dish with vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and spinach. Top it with grated cheese and breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Preheat the oven and bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve as a main course for a comforting family meal.