Surti Khichdi ( સુરતી ખીચડી ) Recipe | Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge )

Introduction of Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge].

Surti Khichdi is a special, more elaborate version of the simple khichdi, hailing from the food-loving city of Surat. Unlike the plain, mushy khichdi, this one is more like a savory, moist porridge, cooked with a variety of vegetables and a unique blend of whole and ground spices. It’s a one-pot meal that is both comforting and richly flavoured.
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Fun Facts about Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge].

• The texture of this khichdi is key. It’s not dry like a pulao, nor is it very soupy. It should be soft, moist, and well-blended.
• It often includes vegetables like green peas, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes even leafy greens.

Traditional Value of Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge].

This dish represents the rich and diverse culinary culture of Surat. Surtis are famous for their love of food, and this khichdi is a reflection of that – taking a simple dish and making it more flavorful and special. It’s a dish that is both a comforting home-style meal and special enough to be served to guests.

Why People Love to Eat Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge]?

People love it because it’s the best of both worlds. It has the comfort and wholesomeness of a khichdi, but the rich, complex flavours of a masala dish. The vegetables add texture and nutrition, and the blend of spices makes it incredibly aromatic and tasty. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl.

When People Eat Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge]?

Surti Khichdi is perfect for a weekend lunch or a hearty dinner. It’s a great one-pot meal for when you want something more than a simple dal and rice but still crave the comfort of khichdi.

Which Other Dish or Foods Complement Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge]?

This flavourful khichdi is almost always served with a side of Gujarati Kadhi. The sweet and sour kadhi perfectly complements the savoury and spicy khichdi. A dollop of ghee on top is a must. Crispy papad and a simple pickle are also great accompaniments.

Desi Gujarati gems (ગુજરાતી માં ગપ્પા) about Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge]?

• When you want a special khichdi, you’d ask for, “Surti style ni masala khichdi.” (“Masala khichdi, Surat style.”).
• A true Surti would say, “Surat nu jaman to jaman chhe!” – “The food of Surat is truly a feast!”

FAQ about Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge]?

• What is the difference between Surti Khichdi and regular Masala Khichdi? The difference often lies in the specific blend of spices used and the texture. Surti Khichdi often has a unique spice profile and is known for its particularly soft, well-melded consistency, distinguishing it from a generic vegetable or masala khichdi.
• What rice and dal should I use? A simple, short-grain rice is often used. The dal is typically tuver dal (pigeon peas) or a mix of tuver and moong dal, which helps in achieving that soft, creamy texture.

Recipe of Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge] | જાણો Surti Khichdi (સુરતી ખીચડી) [Spiced Lentil & Rice Porridge] બનાવવાની પરફેક્ટ રીત

Surti Khichdi

Surti Khichdi is a flavourful, one-pot meal originating from Surat. Unlike the simple Gujarati khichdi, this is a 'vaghareli' (tempered) and 'masaledar' version, loaded with green vegetables, peanuts, and a blend of spices. It's a richer and more elaborate version of the everyday khichdi.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Rice

Cuisine: Gujarati, Indian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup tuver dal
• ¼ cup green pigeon peas lilva
• ½ cup mixed vegetables like potatoes, peas, cauliflower, chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 tomato chopped
• 2 tablespoons peanuts
• 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1- inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic-chili paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

• Chopped coriander for garnish

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Wash the rice and tuver dal together.
2. Heat oil/ghee in a pressure cooker. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon
3. stick, and peanuts.
4. When the seeds splutter, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
5. Add the ginger-garlic-chili paste and cook for a minute.
6. Add the chopped tomato and all the vegetables, including the green pigeon peas. Sauté
7. for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add all the spice powders: turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
9. Add the washed rice and dal mixture and salt. Stir everything well to combine.
10. Pour in about 4-5 cups of water.
11. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat.
12. Let the pressure release naturally. Fluff up the khichdi with a fork.
13. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with kadhi or yogurt.

Notes

● This khichdi is meant to be a complete meal in itself, packed with vegetables and flavours.
● The consistency is softer than pulao but not as mushy as the plain Gujarati khichdi.
● The green pigeon peas (lilva) are a classic ingredient in Surti cuisine and add a unique
taste.