Masala Bajra Khichdi

Winter in India brings a special charm to traditional dishes, and Masala Bajra Khichdi is one of the most nourishing meals of the season. Made using bajra (pearl millet), moong dal, seasonal vegetables, ghee, and Saptrishi spices like Haldi, Jeera, and Hing, this recipe is packed with warmth, fibre, minerals, and deep comfort. The rich, earthy flavour of bajra combined with spices and vegetables makes Masala Bajra Khichdi a perfect one-pot winter dish that supports digestion, boosts energy, and keeps the body warm.

Why Masala Bajra Khichdi Is a Winter Superfood

Bajra has been consumed for centuries, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, where winters can be harsh. According to Ayurveda, bajra is naturally warming, making it ideal for cold weather. When prepared as Masala Bajra Khichdi, bajra becomes easier to digest, more flavourful, and nutritionally balanced.

Nutritional Benefits of Bajra

• High in iron → boosts haemoglobin

• Rich in fibre → improves digestion

• Low glycemic index → diabetic-friendly

• Good plant-based protein

• Strengthens bones → high calcium & phosphorus

• Keeps you full longer → great for weight management

Adding moong dal creates a complete protein, while vegetables supply vitamins and minerals. Saptrishi Haldi and Hing support gut health, and ghee enhances absorption and warmth.

This is why Masala Bajra Khichdi is recommended for:

• Winter meals

• Elderly nutrition

• Diabetic diets

• Immunity building

• Digestive wellness

• Kids and toddlers

• Post-illness recovery

Ingredients Needed for Masala Bajra Khichdi

Grains & Lentils

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet), soaked overnight

• ½ cup moong dal

Vegetables 

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 potato, diced

• 1 carrot, chopped

• ½ cup green peas

Saptrishi Spices

• 1 tsp Saptrishi Jeera

• 1 tsp Saptrishi Haldi

• 1 pinch Saptrishi Hing

• ½–1 tsp Saptrishi Lal Mirch

• 1 tsp Saptrishi Garam Masala (optional)

Other Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee

• 4–5 cups water

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander

These simple ingredients transform into a hearty, wholesome Masala Bajra Khichdi.

Preparation Steps: Getting Bajra Ready

Step A: Soak the Bajra (Crucial Step)

Bajra grains are naturally firm and require pre-softening.

1. Rinse bajra 2–3 times.

2. Soak 8–10 hours or overnight.

3. Drain and pulse once in a mixer for 2–3 seconds.

This cracking ensures your Masala Bajra Khichdi becomes soft, creamy, and evenly cooked.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Masala Bajra Khichdi

Step 1: Make the Masala Base

1. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker.

2. Add Saptrishi Jeera → allow it to crackle.

3. Add a pinch of Saptrishi Hing.

4. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.

5. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until aroma enhances.

6. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.

This base forms the flavour foundation of a perfect Masala Bajra Khichdi.

Step 2: Add Saptrishi Spices

Add:

• Saptrishi Haldi

• Saptrishi Lal Mirch

• Salt

Sauté for a minute until spices release aroma and blend with the masala.

Step 3: Add Bajra, Dal & Vegetables

Now add:

• Cracked bajra

• Washed moong dal

• Optional vegetables (peas, carrots, potato)

Mix everything well so bajra is coated with masala.

Step 4: Add Water & Pressure Cook

Add 4–5 cups of water depending on desired thickness.

Pressure cooking time:

• 2 whistles on high

• 4–5 whistles on low

Let pressure release naturally — essential for soft, creamy Masala Bajra Khichdi.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir gently.
Add hot water if needed.
Sprinkle Saptrishi Garam Masala for warmth.
Simmer 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Top with fresh coriander and a spoonful of ghee.
Serve hot.

Your Masala Bajra Khichdi is ready!

Pro Tips for Perfect Masala Bajra Khichdi

1. Soaking bajra overnight is mandatory

Softens grains and reduces cooking time.

2. Always use ghee, not oil

Improves digestion and flavour.

3. Add hing for better digestion

Bajra can be heavy; hing balances it.

4. Use only moong dal

It is the lightest and best combination for bajra.

5. Mash slightly after cooking

Gives creamy, porridge-like texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not soaking bajra long enough
❌ Adding too little water
❌ Using oil instead of ghee
❌ Opening cooker early
❌ Skipping hing

Avoiding these ensures perfect Masala Bajra Khichdi every time.

Delicious Variants of Bajra Khichdi

1. Rajasthani Style Bajra Khichdi

Only ghee, haldi, jeera, and bajra–dal.

2. Vegetable Bajra Khichdi

Add peas, beans, carrots, lauki.

3. Garlic Tadka Bajra Khichdi

Add final tadka of ghee + garlic.

4. Winter Special Bajra Khichdi

Add sweet potatoes & spinach.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Masala Bajra Khichdi with:

• Kadhi

• Curd

• Papad

• Pickle

• Salad

• Extra ghee

The flavours pair beautifully with winter meals.

Storage & Reheating

• Keeps 24 hours in refrigerator

• Add hot water while reheating

• Reheat on low flame for best texture