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    Home » Casserole

    Baked Kitchari Casserole (Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole)

    Published: May 12, 2022 by Richa 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe

    This delicious Baked Kitchari Casserole is a simple 1 Pan nourishing meal! This easy Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole takes just minutes to prep. Just add everything to the pan, cover and bake! great for meal prep! Gluten-free Nutfree Soyfree. Just 7 main ingredients.

    a serving of baked lentil rice casserole drizzled with vegan yogurt

    For a super simple weeknight dinner recipe that practically cooks itself in the oven, try my Baked Lentil Rice Casserole aka. Kitchari Casserole. You all loved the spiced Chickpea Rice casserole and you’ll love this 1 pot meal too.

    Kitchari (which means “mishmash” in Hindi) is traditionally made using a combination of mung dal and basmati rice. This simple dish is traditionally overcooked – a bit like porridge. You can make it softer or cook less time to consistency preference. It’s rich in nutrients and a great savory meal to add to your list of “go to” foods for when you crave something healthy and yet satisfying. There are various ways to make khichdi. The simplest kitchari uses just the lentils and rice and a few light spices. That version is usually the go to for when you need a light meal or your stomach needs a rest. You can amp that up with spices, veggies, nuts and seeds to make it a satisfying 1 Pot meal. In this version, we put everything in the baking dish, add veggies, spices and flavors, then bake and done!

    freshly baked lentil rice casserole

    What makes this casserole dish so delicious are the spices. I like using a fragrant blend of coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne, fenugreek leaves, paprika or Kashmiri chili powder, and garam masala or Berbere.  SO good! You can change it up and use Berbere (it’s great with berbere!) or Cajun.

    a plate of vegan baked kitchari lentil rice casserole served with fresh herbs and yogurt

    This Kitchari casserole is super wholesome and a soul-satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner – especially on a rainy day. You can make a simple version like this instant pot kitchari, or make this delicious baked casserole.

    Why you’ll love this baked vegan lentil rice kitchari

    • It uses just 7 main ingredients
    • its Glutenfree Soyfree and nutfree
    • its satisfying and delicious
    • it takes just a few minutes to put together then put in the oven and forget it!

    close up shot of a plate of Indian lentil rice casserole drizzles with vegan yogurt

    More vegan baked casseroles:

    • Chana Pulao (chickpea rice casserole)
    • Barbecue Lentil Farro Cauliflower Bake
    • Lentil Curry Casserole
    • Baked South Indian Eggplant Curry
    • Lentil Rice Casserole with Chickpea Dumplings
    • Jalapeno Chili Cornbread Casserole

    Print Recipe
    5 from 11 votes

    Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole or Kitchari Casserole

    This Baked Kitchari Casserole is made with a combination of rice, red lentils, and warming spices that help with digestion, and nourish your body. A baked version of Indian Lentil Rice Casserole that is simple and also great for meal prep! Glutenfree Nutfree Soyfree
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time55 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: baked lentil rice casserole, khichdi recipe
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 221kcal
    Author: Vegan Richa

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup (100 g) split red lentils ( masoor dal) or a mix of split red lentils and petite yellow lentils (moong dal)
    • 1/2 cup (90 g) white basmati rice
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1-2 cups (182 g) chopped vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, zucchini, etc
    • 1/2- 1 cup (230 g) frozen spinach thawed
    • 1 large tomato chopped
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1-2 tablespoons spices of choice, see notes for the spices that I usually use
    • 4 cups (950 ml) water 4 cups for porridgy khichdi, 3 cups for less moist like a rice dish
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • cilantro and lemon juice for garnish

    Instructions

    • Wash and drain your lentils and rice and set aside.
    • To a 9x11 inch or similar size baking dish, add the lentils and rice, the veggies, spinach, tomato, salt, spices, and water and mix well.
    • Then put it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) . Cover with parchment and bake for 40-45 minutes.
    • Check at the 35/37 minute mark to see if the lentils and rice are cooked through.
    • Remove the dish from the oven, fluff a bit, and garnish with some cilantro and lemon juice and serve. You can add roasted veggies or toasted nuts for garnish as well.
    • You can top the dish with some non dairy yogurt or serve it with some raita and papadums , chutneys or achar(Indian pickle) or as a side with a curry.

    Notes

    To make this with brown rice, you would need to use a hardy lentils. Use the whole lentils, whole mung beans or whole brown lentils instead of the split version. soak the brown rice and lentils for 15 minutes in hot water.  Drain and use. Use 3 cups water instead of 4. bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check if the brown rice is done. Else continue to bake for another 10-15 mins.
    Spices Used for the Khichdi
    • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
    • 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (Kasoori methi)
    • 1 teaspoon paprika or kashmiri chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons curry powder or 1 teaspoon garam masala
    Other spice options: you can use 2 teaspoons Berbere or Cajun spice or madras curry powder or sambhar powder or chole masala.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole or Kitchari Casserole
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 221 Calories from Fat 9
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 1g2%
    Sodium 517mg22%
    Potassium 622mg18%
    Carbohydrates 43g14%
    Fiber 12g50%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 11g22%
    Vitamin A 9444IU189%
    Vitamin C 13mg16%
    Calcium 137mg14%
    Iron 4mg22%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Ingredients:

    • basmati rice is what is traditionally used but you can make this with brown rice (see notes)
    • lentils – I use red lentils or a mix of split red lentils (masoor dal) and petite yellow lentils ( moong dal,  see pics)
    • veggies – use whatever you like and have. I added frozen spinach, cauliflower, carrots, peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, and zucchini.
    • fresh tomatoes are a great-add as they lend this some moisture and flavor
    • ground spices: coriander, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne, fenugreek leaves, paprika or kashmiri chili powder and garam masala or curry powder or Berbere.
    • whole spices: bay leaves

    Tips:

    • you can either grind your own spices or use pre-ground spices for this dish.
    • for the spices, you can also use a mix of 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander, and 2 teaspoons curry powder or Berbere or madras curry powder or sambhar powder or chole masala!

    ingredients used for making kitchari casserole

    How to make Baked Kitchari Casserole

    lentils and rice being added to a casserole dish

    Wash and drain your lentils and rice and set aside.

    To a 9×11 inch or similar size baking dish, add the lentils and rice, the veggies, spinach, tomato, salt, spices, and water and mix well.

    fresh tomatoes and veggies being added to rice and red lentils in a casserole dish


    spices being added to rice and lentils in a casserole dish to make kitchari casserole

    veggies being added to rice and lentils in a casserole dish

    rice and vegetables cooking in a casserole dish

    Then put it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Cover with parchment and bake for 40-45 minutes.

    vegan Indian lentil rice casserole ready to bake

    Check at the 40 minute mark to see if the lentils and rice and cooked through.

    freshly baked vegan lentil rice casserole sprinkled with cilantro

    Remove the dish from the oven, fluff a bit, garnish with some cilantro and lemon juice and serve.

    Storage

    Refrigerate for upto 3 days.

    What to serve with Baked Kitchari Casserole?

    You can top the dish with some non-dairy yogurt or serve it with some raita and papadams, chutneys, or achar (Indian pickles) or as side with a curry.

    Can I make this Indian rice casserole with brown rice?

    You can also make this lentil rice casserole with brown rice, but you would need to use a hardy lentils. Use the whole lentils, whole mung beans or whole brown lentils instead of the split version. Soak the brown rice and lentils for 15 minutes in hot water.  Drain and use. bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check if the brown rice is done. Else continue to bake for another 10-15 mins.

    a plate with vegan lentil rice casserole served drizzled with yogurt

     

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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    1. Jessica

      March 24, 2023 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night and it was so good! It’s a perfect recipe if you want something healthy & homemade for little effort. The veggies I used were sweet mini bell peppers, cauliflower, peas & fresh spinach.
      Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        March 24, 2023 at 7:56 pm

        of course, thank YOU for trying it!

        Reply
    2. joanne

      March 08, 2023 at 6:42 pm

      Can fresh baby spinach, kale, chard be used instead of the frozen spinach? If yes, how much would you recommend? And if I don’t have all the spices, would it taste okay to just use what I have? Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        March 09, 2023 at 8:53 pm

        yes, you can use the same amount of any of those greens. and yes, just use what you have and check out my spice selection on world spice!

        Reply
    3. pj

      January 06, 2023 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      this is going to be a go-to recipe for me now, so easy and tasty, and healthy too! i found it a bit salty so will reduce that next time but otherwise, delicious, thanks!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        January 06, 2023 at 12:33 pm

        Thank you for your comment!

        Reply
    4. Ree

      November 12, 2022 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      Delicious and satisfying. Loved the spiciness and ease of preparation.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        November 14, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        Very glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    5. Janet

      August 26, 2022 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      It was too hot to use the oven so I made this with red lentils and brown rice and mushrooms in the instant pot set at 10 minutes, natural release. It’s so good!! So fast & easy and I like the mushy peas with the brown rice! Comforting!!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        August 29, 2022 at 10:37 am

        Thank you Janet – good idea too!

        Reply
    6. Tracey Watson

      June 10, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Can you freeze this?

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        June 14, 2022 at 3:15 pm

        yes

        Reply
    7. Upasana

      May 24, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      After I put all the ingredients in a baking dish, I am not clear as to what to use to cover the baking dish with. Will parchment paper stick to the baking dish or should I cover it with aluminum foil. Thanks

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 25, 2022 at 1:12 pm

        You don’t need to seal it. Just lightly covered with parchment so that the top rice layer does not dry out that’s all

        Reply
    8. Regina

      May 23, 2022 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing comfort food!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 29, 2022 at 6:23 pm

        thanks for your amazing feedback

        Reply
    9. Michelle

      May 21, 2022 at 10:42 am

      Dear Richa,
      Can I use split urid dal chilka for this recipe?
      Thank you!!
      Michelle

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 21, 2022 at 4:20 pm

        Yes.

        Reply
    10. Shivi

      May 20, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      If we double the rice and lentils do we need to double the water too ?

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 20, 2022 at 5:12 pm

        Yes, use 1/2 cup less than double. Bake time might increase by 5 mins. Check at the given time though as it depends on the pan

        Reply
        • Donna

          May 21, 2022 at 5:30 am

          Do I use all the listed spices and amounts?

          Reply
          • Richa

            May 21, 2022 at 4:19 pm

            Yes

            Reply
    11. Alexandria kling

      May 13, 2022 at 12:51 am

      5 stars
      Just picked up your recipe,can*t wait to have a go!AS I am low carb I will be going with Cauliflower riced,but I don*t believe that that will be a problem.I do however have a question…..Say for some wild and weird reason you find yourself catering for somebody who is allergic to coriander,what would suggest as an alternative? Take care and be safe……..Alexandria

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 13, 2022 at 1:35 pm

        yay!! you could increase the curry or garam masala or you can use 2 teaspoons Berbere or Cajun spice or madras curry powder or sambhar powder or chole masala.

        Reply
    12. Emily

      May 12, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      Made just for dinner today so comforting! I like the moist kitchari and this was just perfect. Served with some
      Toasted pita bread and roasted cauliflower that I tossed in some garam masala. I appreciate these super hands free casseroles!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 12, 2022 at 6:59 pm

        sounds fab!

        Reply
      • Ingrid

        May 15, 2022 at 2:12 am

        Hello from Melbourne, Australia, where we are headed towards winter. This was delicious! I used frozen veg (cheaper than fresh). Adding this to my autumn and winter cooking regimen.

        Reply
        • Vegan Richa Support

          May 16, 2022 at 8:35 am

          sounds great – frozen veggies are so handy

          Reply
    13. Barb Onstad

      May 12, 2022 at 5:46 pm

      I used the 4 cups of water and it seems like it was too watery. I left it in oven for an hour and still too watery

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 12, 2022 at 6:15 pm

        Hmm that’s odd. it shouldnt be watery.it should be like risotto. Moist rice . What rice and lentils did you use?

        Reply
        • Amanda

          May 23, 2022 at 8:45 am

          Mine was also very watery, like soup. I used 4 cups with basmati rice and red lentils.

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            May 29, 2022 at 6:28 pm

            Oh! Sorry that didn’t work out for you – 4 cups for porridgy khichdi, 3 cups for less moist like a rice dish, try 3 cups next time =)

            Reply
    14. Berta

      May 12, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      B

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 12, 2022 at 3:36 pm

        Thanks

        Reply
    15. Peggy

      May 12, 2022 at 1:25 pm

      The spice directions are confusing. Could you be more specific in terms of measurement? Thx

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 12, 2022 at 1:39 pm

        Oh the formatting disappeared. Added bullet points, let me know if that’s clear

        Reply
    16. PamelaB

      May 12, 2022 at 6:43 am

      5 stars
      I love kitchari!
      Thank you for brown rice directions.
      Can’t wait to try this! 😁

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 12, 2022 at 1:39 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Annemarie

          May 13, 2022 at 10:44 am

          Hi want to make this but question are the veggies cooked first, or should I be using frozen veggies, or should I blanche the first?

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            May 13, 2022 at 11:30 am

            just normal, raw veggies!! they would be too mushy if you precooked them – niot necessary

            Reply

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