Makar Sankranti 2026: Easy Recipe for Traditional Moong Dal Khichdi at Home

Makar Sankranti holds a special place in Indian culture. People celebrate this harvest festival with great enthusiasm across the country. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, many call the festival Khichdi. The dish Moong Dal Khichdi becomes an essential part of the celebrations. It brings comfort and tradition to the dining table.

This year, you can make this delicious dish at home. Our simple recipe guides you through each step. You will need basic ingredients from your kitchen. The process is straightforward and quick.

Why Khichdi Matters on Makar Sankranti

Khichdi symbolizes simplicity and nourishment. Families often prepare it during Makar Sankranti. The dish uses seasonal ingredients. It represents the harvest's bounty. Eating khichdi on this day is believed to bring good health and prosperity.

Moong dal and rice form the base of this recipe. They provide protein and carbohydrates. Spices like cumin and turmeric add flavor and health benefits. Ghee gives it a rich taste. Together, they create a balanced meal.

Ingredients for Moong Dal Khichdi

Gather these items before you start cooking:

Half cup of dhuli moong dal
Three-fifths cup of rice
Two tablespoons of ghee
Two teaspoons of cumin seeds
One tablespoon of garlic, chopped
Two green chillies
One tomato, chopped
One teaspoon of turmeric powder
Salt according to your taste
One teaspoon of red chilli powder
Two tablespoons of coriander leaves
Half teaspoon of hing (asafoetida)
Two dried red chillies
Additional ghee for tempering

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make perfect Moong Dal Khichdi:

Prepare the Base: Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly. Keep them aside for later use.
Heat the Cooker: Place a pressure cooker on the stove. Add ghee, cumin seeds, and dried red chillies. Let them splutter in the hot ghee.
Add Aromatics: Put the chopped garlic into the cooker. Saute it well until it turns golden. Then add the chopped tomatoes. Cook them for about two minutes.
Mix Rice and Dal: Add the washed rice and dal to the cooker. Include all the spices like turmeric powder, salt, and red chilli powder. Mix everything properly. Cook the mixture for two to four minutes.
Pressure Cook: Pour two cups of water into the cooker. Close the lid and pressure cook for two whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking.
Prepare Tempering: Heat some ghee in a small pan. Add hing and red chilli powder to it. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Final Touch: Pour the tempering over the cooked khichdi. Mix it well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the khichdi hot for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy Moong Dal Khichdi with various accompaniments. Some people like it with plain yogurt or pickle. A side of papad or roasted papad adds crunch. Serve it during lunch or dinner on Makar Sankranti. It makes a fulfilling meal for the whole family.

This recipe ensures you get authentic flavors. It connects you to traditional cooking methods. Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2026 with this homemade delight. Share the joy with your loved ones over a warm plate of khichdi.