Rainy Day Soft Chicken & Veggie Khichdi Bowl
Gluten-Free / Meat · toddler · en
This ultra-soft, comforting one-pot meal combines tender chicken, veggies, rice, and lentils with gentle, warming spices perfect for a rainy monsoon day. Easy to mash and gentle on tiny tummies.
- Chop the chicken and vegetables into uniform, pea-sized pieces to prevent choking and ensure even cooking.
- Soaking the rice and dal is the secret to a perfectly mushy texture that's easy on little teeth and tummies.
- Top the serving with a tiny spoonful of plain whole-milk yogurt to cool it down quickly for hungry toddlers!
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Age
- toddler
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
Wash the rice and moong dal together until the water runs clear. Soak them in clean water for 30 minutes to ensure a perfectly soft, mushy texture, then drain.
Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the tiny chicken pieces and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until pale. Stir in the finely diced vegetables, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili powder, cooking for 2 more minutes.
Pour in the drained rice and dal mixture, followed by the water or broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
If using a pressure cooker, seal and cook for 2 whistles (about 8 minutes), then let the pressure release naturally. If using a pot, cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until everything is completely tender.
Once cooked, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Gently mash the khichdi with a potato masher to achieve a soft, porridge-like consistency ideal for toddlers. Serve warm!
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this without a pressure cooker?
Yes! Simply cook it in a covered pot on low heat for 20-25 minutes. You may need to add a splash of extra water if it starts looking too dry before the lentils are fully soft.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes much longer to cook and won't yield the same ultra-soft, comforting texture. If you choose brown rice, soak it overnight and double the cooking time.
Is Kashmiri chili powder too spicy for toddlers?
Kashmiri chili powder is very mild; it adds warmth and a lovely color rather than heat. However, if your little one is very sensitive to any spice, you can easily omit it.
What you'll need
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