Step 1

To prepare the pearl millet khichdi / bajra khichdi, soak the millet for at least 12 hours in water. This step is mandatory.

Step 2

Wash moong dal. Drain and keep aside. Drain water from the millet just before preparing the khichdi.

Step 3

Heat ghee in a pressure pan (~3-5 Litre capacity). Fry cumin seeds, garlic, chillies and vegetables for a minute.

Step 4

Add the drained millet and moong dal along with all the dried spices and salt.

Step 5

Mix 4.5 cups water into this and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Lock the cooker lid with the pressure weight plugged in.

Step 7

After 3 whistles, reduce flame to sim and cook for 15-20 minutes. Because of this long cooking on slow flame, it is important to add more than adequate water to the khichdi otherwise it will burn and stick to the bottom of the cooker. Beginner cooks can also transfer the entire mix with the water into another vessel that fits inside the cooker. Keep 1.5 inches of water in the bottom of the cooker. Mix in 4 cups water to the millet-dal-veg mix in the vessel and cook similarly, or possibly for 5 minutes longer on sim (20 mins after 3 whistles).

Step 8

Once the pressure subsides, open cooker and stir in the finely chopped spinach into the khichdi. Keep covered for 5-10 minutes so the spinach cooks in the residual heat.

Step 9

You will know that the pearl millet is cooked on tasting or if the grains have broken open.

Step 10

Serve this hot along with roasted papads and sliced cucumber. Pickles and yogurt optional.