How to Cook Bajra Khichdi in Rajasthani Style
Bajra Khichdi, a quintessential Rajasthani dish, is a wholesome and nutritious one-pot meal made with pearl millet (bajra), moong dal, and aromatic spices.
Bajra is known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. This hearty dish is a staple in Rajasthan, especially during winter, as it helps keep the body warm and provides sustained energy.
Bajra, also known as black millet or pearl millet, is rich in many nutrients, including Fiber, Protein, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, B vitamins, Copper, and Folic acid.
It helps with digestion, prevents constipation, boosts bone health, and provides immunity and overall health.
Bajra’s low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health. Regularly eating bajra could help with weight loss, too.
Traditionally served with ghee, pickles, and buttermilk, this rustic dish is a treat for the soul and the taste buds.
I love a wholesome meal, so it’s apparent that I would love my khichidi to be loaded with vegetables. So, I have shared veggies that you can pack into this khichidi.
How to Cook Bajra Khichdi in Rajasthani Style

Soaking Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8H25M
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Serves: 4 people
Author: Ranjeeta Nath Ghai
Ingredients For Bajra Khichdi
- 1 cup bajra (black millet or pearl millet), soaked for 8 hours and drained
- 1 cup moong dal (split yellow gram), washed
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp hing
- 1 tsp desi ghee or oil (for tempering)
- 2 cups water (adjust for consistency later when garnishing)
- Salt as per taste
Optional Vegetables
- 1 cup Cauliflower florets cut into half
- 1 cup french beans
- 1 cup pumpkin
- 1 cup petha
- 1 potato cut into 4 pieces
- 500 grams baby onions cut in half
Instructions For Bajra Khichdi
Preparing and Cooking
- Soak the bajra overnight and drain it in a sieve.
- Wash the moong dal under running water, drain it, and set aside.
- Add the soaked bajra, moong dal, salt, and 2 cups of drinking water to a pressure cooker.
- Shut the lid and pressure cook the khichidi for 4-5 whistles on medium heat. The bajra should become soft, and the dal should blend into the khichdi for a creamy consistency.
Tempering:
- In a small pan/kadhai, add desi ghee.
- Add cumin seeds when the ghee heats up, and let them crackle.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and finely chopped green chilies for an extra kick if you like it spiced up.
- Stir this tempering into the cooked khichdi.
Adjust The Consistency:
- Should the bajra khichdi be thick, add hot water and stir to combine it to your desired consistency.
- Let the bajra khichidi simmer for 2-3 minutes and mix well so that the flavors meld.
Serving:
- Serve the Bajra Khichdi hot, garnished with a dollop of desi ghee for extra richness.
- Serve it with tangy pickles, yogurt or buttermilk for a complete, satisfying meal.
Recipe Notes
- You can add aromatic spices like cinnamon, clove, and moti elaichi in the tempering or when you boil the bajra and moong dal so that their flavours are released.
- You can add loads of vegetables, too.
- Make it with or without veggies or aromatic spices to enjoy different variations of the same bajra khichidi.
Rajasthani-style Bajra Khichdi is a rich and nutritious dish filled with the goodness of black millet or pearl millet and moong dal.
This simple preparation, earthy flavors, and nutritional content make it perfect for comfort food, especially during colder months.
Serve this traditional delicacy with your favorite accompaniments and taste the authentic flavors of Rajasthan right at home.
You Might Like To Try Other Related Regional Recipes
- Khichdi: The Comfort Food of India
- Sunday Recipe: Delicious Begun Bhaja
- How To Make A Bilahir Tok: Tomato Chutney in Assamese Style
- How to Prepare Bhoger Khichdi in Assamese Style
- Varan Bhaat: Maharashtrian Varan Bhaat Recipe
- Easy Aloo Bhaji Recipe | Batata Bhaji | Potato Bhaji
- Maharashtrian Style Masala Khichidi Recipe
Loved this Bajra Khichdi recipe! It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for everyone. The addition of veggies and desi ghee takes it to the next level. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Thank you so much for the feedback.
Rajasthani-style bajra khichdi is a hearty, nutritious dish made with pearl millet, ghee, spices, and earthy flavors. I love the ingredients and your recipe and this is surely a great comfort food..
Thank you so much for the feedback.
Your food recipes are yummy and equally calorific. Thank you so much for sharing the unique recipes, I am definitely try this and delve into the taste of rajasthani style and savour my taste buds and tummy.
Thank you so much for the feedback.
This recipe brought back so many memories of traditional meals at home. Loved how simple and authentic the steps are. The flavors of Rajasthani cuisine really shine through. Can’t wait to try this hearty and wholesome dish soon!
Thank you so much for the feedback.
I love traditional recipes, and Rajasthani-style bajra khichri sounds so comforting and nutritious! I appreciate how you shared the authentic method—can’t wait to try it with some ghee and achar!
Thank you so much for the feedback.
Discovering this Bajra Khichdi recipe was a delight! The combination of pearl millet and moong dal creates a hearty, nutritious meal that’s perfect for winter. Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you so much for the feedback.
This is so tempting 😍 I am bored of eating usual dal khichdi and sometimes feel bloated. Dietitian suggests to eat Bajra khichdi due to high fibre content. So will definitely try your recipe ✌🏻
Thank you so much for the feedback.