• Wash the lentils and rice a couple of times. Drain and keep them aside.

Instant pot Instructions

• Start the Instant pot in saute mode and add oil.
• Once it is hot, add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• If you are using veggies, add them now and let them cook for a couple of minutes. 
• Add rinsed rice, lentils, turmeric powder, salt, and water to the instant pot. Mix it well and deglaze the pot if required.
• If you make masala khichdi, add red chili powder, ground coriander, grated or finely chopped ginger, and mix everything well.
• Stop the instant pot saute mode and close it with its lid.
• Seal the vent and start the Instant pot in manual or pressure cook mode and cook it for 5 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the instant pot finishes cooking, wait for 5 to 10 minutes and manually release the pressure.
• Mix the khichdi once, and the delicious Instant pot khichdi is ready to serve.
• Garnish with cilantro, and enjoy it hot.

Stovetop Instructions

• Heat a deep-bottomed pan or cooking pot.
• Once it is hot, add oil or ghee and cumin seeds.
• Let the cumin seed splutter, and then add finely chopped onions and veggies. Onions and veggies are optional, and you can skip them. If you are using veggies, let them cook for a couple of minutes.
• Now add turmeric powder, salt, and spice powders if making masala khichdi.
• Rinse the rice and lentils and add them to the pot.
• Add water and cook the kitchari over medium heat until the lentils and rice is cooked as per your liking.
• Usually, khichdi will have a thinner consistency, so adjust the water accordingly.
• Switch off the flame, garnish the khichdi with cilantro and serve it hot with the side of pickle or yogurt.