Yoga Life
Jowar Khichdi (Sorghum & Moong One-Pot Meal)
A comforting no-onion-no-garlic jowar khichdi from the Wholesome Living Through Food series — a filling, sattvic one-pot meal.
Jowar khichdi is a warming one-pot meal of coarsely ground sorghum cooked with moong dal, vegetables and gentle whole spices. Made without onion or garlic, it's a sattvic, filling and satisfying dish — high in fibre and protein and easy on the stomach.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup jowar (sorghum), dry-roasted and coarsely ground
- 1/2 cup moong dal
- mixed vegetables, chopped
- 2 tbsp ghee
- whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- a few cashew nuts (optional)
- 1 large piece ginger, finely chopped
- 3 green chillies, chopped
- salt to taste
- water as needed
Method
- 1
Dry-roast the jowar on a medium flame for about 5 minutes until golden, then cool and grind it to a coarse, sandy-textured powder.
- 2
In a pressure cooker, heat the ghee and add the cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf and cumin seeds. Add the cashews (if using), ginger and green chillies.
- 3
Add the chopped vegetables and moong dal and stir to coat in the spices.
- 4
Add the ground jowar, salt and enough water, mix well, and pressure-cook until soft and comforting. Let the pressure release, then serve hot.
From the Wholesome Living Through Food series, this khichdi uses jowar (sorghum, or great millet) combined with moong dal, vegetables and aromatic spices — with no onion or garlic, so it's a sattvic, comforting one-pot meal.
Why it's nourishing
Jowar is low in calories but high in fibre and protein, which makes any dish made with it filling and satisfying. Paired with moong dal and vegetables, this khichdi is a wholesome, grounding meal that sits well after practice.
More recipes from Hema Subramanian and The Home Cooking Show →
Frequently asked questions
- Why roast and grind the jowar?
- Dry-roasting deepens the flavour, and grinding it to a coarse, sandy texture helps it cook into a soft, khichdi-like consistency rather than staying tough whole grains.
- Is jowar khichdi good for weight watchers?
- Jowar is high in fibre and protein and filling for relatively few calories, so a moderate portion of this wholesome one-pot meal can suit a balanced, weight-conscious diet.
References
- Bhagavad Gita 17.8-10 — sattvic food that nourishes life, strength and health · Classical text — The yogic view that wholesome, simple food supports a clear mind and healthy body.