Family Friendly! Plan your next vegetarian gathering meal with this delicious and comforting recipe! Enjoy with Gujarati Tindora Recipe for Athanu, chaas, and an Indian Salad Recipe with Greens
What is kichdi?
A combination of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices! Vaghareli Kichdi is the ultimate Gujarati comfort food which is best described as vegetable porridge. While most barbecue on holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and summer gatherings, we made large pots of Gujrati Vaghareli Kichdi. Hence, the name “Picnic Kichdi”. Normally enjoyed with a cold spiced yogurt drink (chaas) and a few optional sides such as salad and papad. In any case, this dish hits home!
Ingredients
eggplant - I prefer to use chinese eggplants but you can use a skin peeled black beauty eggplant or aubergine eggplants as well.pigeon peas - can substitute for english peas or use both variations. Pigeon peas are available in the freezer section at Indian Grocery Stores. moong dal - split yellow moong dal is what I recommend but you can substitute with split moong dal with the shell on still.
See the recipe card below for full a full list of ingredients and instructions.
How to make vaghareli kichdi
Combine the ingredients in the instant pot and set it to cook. Once the natural air releases, add the tempered oil on top, mix, and enjoy warm with chaas. Option- you can add tempered oil after the recipe has finished cooking or before. I prefer to do it after. Add extra oil on top to get the perfect picnic taste! Expert Tip - For an extra green(ish) color add blended green onions or chopped spinach
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate- It can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. Heating- warm in a microwave by keeping a loose lid on top.
Expert Tips
Love Gujarati food? Give these specialties a try!
📖 Recipe
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