Instant Pot Gourmet Food-In-A-Jar for Making Khichadi
Here is a very simple Gourmet Food-In-A-Jar project for making ‘Khichadi” (an Indian porridge) that is totally hassle-free in the Instant Pot. This FOOD-IN-JAR is not just good as a gift but it is a great way to do meal prep in advance and store away so on weekdays when you come back home you can just dump it in the Instant Pot and you are all set. No brainers!!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Pressure building time 10 minutes + Natural pressure release time 10 minutes20 minutesmins
1bottleFood-In-The-Jar for Khichadi (mandatory)The bottled jar we prepped up
6cupswater (mandatory)pani
1tablespooncilantro finely chopped for garnishing (optional)hara dhaniya
Instructions
How to layer the FOOD-IN-THE-JAR:
Step1: Stick Label- Print instructions on a label for how too cook Khichadi in the jar and then stick it on a 2-pint (32oz. 946ml) glass jar. Step2: Make a pouch-Take a small pouch and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds in it. Keep it aside. Step3: Mix other seasoning-In a small bowl stir together asafetida and turmeric powder Step 4: Layer Skinned and Split Mung beans and Rice-Now in a 2-pint (32oz. 946ml) glass jar layer, first skinned and split mung beans (dhuli mung daal). For the second layer put Basmati rice. Now add the seasoning mix from the bowl. On top put curry leaves. Step 5: Put the pouch- At the end on top put mustard and cumin seeds pouch. Step 6: Seal and date the Jar-Put the lid on the jar to seal it. Also put a date on the bottle, so people you gift this jar, know when it was bottled. Step 7: Decorate-Decorate the bottle with colored holiday paper on top of the lid and tie a pretty ribbon.
How to make Khichadi in the Instant Pot - step by step recipe
Step1. Prep the Instant Pot to Make khichadi: Plug in the Instant Pot and remove the lid. Press “Saute” function and wait till it says “Hot” on the screen. Add ghee to it and immediately add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let the mustard seeds crackle. Use a glass lid as the mustard seeds may pop up. Roasting of these two in ghee are crucial to this dish and hence were added in a separate pouch.Step2: Add Ginger:Add julienned ginger and sauté (although ginger is optional, I would suggest not to skip it as it adds a lot of flavor to khichadi)Step3. Add Vegetables: (These vegetables are optional. Add them for a healthier twist)Now add vegetables like carrots, green beans, and green peas and saute.Step4. Add Split Mung Beans and Rice mixture:Finally put all the bottled ingredients like skinned, split moong bean, rice and other spices in the steel pot. Add 6 cups of water and combine.Step 5: Pressure cook:Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock lid on the pot, switch the “Pressure Release Valve” to close/sealing. Now press “Manual” button and adjust the time to 20 minutes or just press the “Rice” button that defaults 12 minutes. You can use the “+/-” key to adjust the time. In a few seconds, it will say “ON” on the screen. After ten seconds the pot will begin to heat and build pressure. Once it reaches the required temperature and pressure, the display will begin to count down. The timer will start counting down until the timer reaches 0. Once it reaches 0, the Instant Pot will automatically switch to “Keep Warm” mode and then begin to drop in pressure. Do “Natural Pressure Release” (NPR) for 10 minutes, which means the pressure will release naturally for 10 minutes, then do “Quick Pressure Release”, means release pressure manually. When metal pin drops carefully remove the lid.Step 5: Serve: Once you open the lid, combine everything well. Press the cancel button on the Instant Pot and unplug it. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top it with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy with yogurt, spicy Indian pickle, and papad!
Notes
•In making Khichadi the Rice to Split mung beans (mung daal) ratio should always be 1:2. 1 cup rice: 2 cups split mung beans (mung daal).•Don’t skip the step of tempering mustard and cumin seeds well till they splutter and sizzle, it is essential in giving this Khichari a nutty texture and authentic flavors.•If desired, after you add ginger you can add vegetables to this dish, combine and then add the bottled ingredients. Typical vegetables added to khichdi are green peas, finely chopped green beans, and finely diced carrots. To be honest you can add any vegetable per your choice and imagination. To add heat to it you can add green chilis as well.•You can double, triple or cut this recipe down to half. If you change the quantity, the pressure cooking time in the Instant pot does not change.If you loved this Gourmet Holiday, FOOD-IN-A-JAR idea then let me know as I have tons of ideas on this line that I can share with you. Please don’t forget to leave your valuable comments.