Khichdi in a Jar – Indian Kitchari (lentil rice stew) Mix for Instant Pot or Saucepan

Khichdi – also called kitchari – is a cozy lentil rice stew, and khichdi in a jar is a great gift to introduce this delicious Indian comfort food to your loved ones! Empty jar into saucepan or instant pot and cook! This post was originally published December 2017. It has been updated with new pictures and video

Khichdi or kitchari is dal and rice risotto-like preparation that usually is very lightly spiced and served as light meal when you are sick or just to give the digestion a break with a simple nourishing meal. 

The gift jar is packed with lentils, rice, and spices that you can simply empty into a pot of veggies and water and cook on the stove or in your Instant Pot. It’s a super simple recipe, and since you pack the spices separately from the rice and lentils, your recipient can wash the rice and lentils without losing any of that amazing flavor!

The most basic version of khichdi is less spiced, with just one or two spices. It is kind of an analog for chicken noodle soup. It’s a simple mildly spiced light meal. You can add different spices, vegetables, tomato etc to make it an even heartier meal. The basic version is in my first book, and this kitchari jar recipe is adapted from it.

Khichdi is generally overcooked to be more of a mash/porridge like for easy digestion. You can however adjust the texture by adjusting the cooking time. I give you a range of cooking time based on your preference. Cook it for less time for the grains and lentils to retain shape and cook a longer for a porridge. I use split lentils(petite yellow(moong dal) or red lentils(masoor dal) and white basmati rice. The lentils and rice have similar cook time and are hence paired. With brown rice you’d need to pair with longer cooking whole brown lentils ke mung beans. See my hearty green moong and brown rice version .

This bottled up kitchari makes a great gift. It’s perfect to introduce friends to Indian food even if they don’t have Indian spices, great to gift fora quick dump and done meal, and also to gift to yourself! You will want to make and eat lots of kitchari after the big holiday meals, and the jar reduces the active time to just about five minutes. It’s great to just have around for quick weeknight dinners! Add some chopped veggies in with the jar ingredients for a nourishing lentil rice stew.

To cook from the jar, Empty the contents into your Instant pot or a saucepan, add whatever veggies you like, add water and simmer until the lentils and rice are cooked to your liking! Serve as-is or with some chutneys or papadum/crackers.

You can also make this into a stew/curry by adding some non-dairy milk along with the water.

Why You’ll Love Khichdi/Kitchari in a Jar

• makes a great holiday gift!
• prepared khichdi is a perfect, soothing meal to balance out all of the rich holiday food
• jars are simple to assemble
• perfect to introduce people to Indian food even if they don’t have Indian pantry
• perfect gift for anyone as it’s a quick dump and done meal
• naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free

Ingredients and Substitutions

• rice – Use long grain white basmati rice for the most authentic kitchari.
• lentils – Choose quick-cooking lentils, like red lentils or split moong dal.
• whole spices – Whole cumin seeds and cloves can be roasted or not. Roast them for the best flavor!
• ground spices – For the spice pack, you’ll also need coriander, onion flakes, garlic powder, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne, and bay leaves.
• tomato – To prepare the khichdi, adds umami and color.
• chopped vegetables – Use fresh or frozen.
• salt – Brings out the flavors.

How to Make Khichdi Jar Mix

Layer the rice and lentils.

Toast the cumin seeds and cloves on stovetop over medium heat until cumin seeds change color slightly. This step is optional. Toasted cumin seeds add a deeper tastier flavor. Cool completely.

Fold the toasted cumin, cloves, and the rest of the spices into a parchment paper pouch, and add it to the jar. Close the lid. Store for up to 3 months.

How to Prepare the Khichdi

Wash the lentils and rice.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil on medium heat, and add the contents of the spice pouch. Cook, stirring, until fragrant. This is optional, you can add the spices directly with the lentils and rice as well

Add the rice, lentils, water, and tomato to the pan along with any veggies that you are using. Mix well.

Cover partially and cook for 22 minutes, then check the consistency and doneness and continue to cook more until done. Fluff and serve with toppings of choice.

For the Instant Pot – Heat 1 teaspoon oil on saute mode. Once the oil is hot, and add the contents of the spice pack. Cook, stirring, until fragrant,15 seconds , . Then add 3.5 to 4 cups of water (depends on your preference of consistency of the stew), the lentils, rice, tomato, salt, and any veggies that you are using. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 2 to 4 minutes (4 for Indian khichdi-style porridge consistency). For a spiced rice style kitchari, pressure cook on low pressure for 3 mins. Release the pressure after 5 mins. Fluff lightly.

What to Serve with Khichdi

Add more flavor to your khichdi with some mint chutney or tomato chutney or Indian pickles such as mango, tomato or chili pickle, with non dairy yogurt or raita. Serve it on its own or with papadum or crackers.