30 Dec Barnyard Masala Khichadi
Barnyard millet (Bhagar) Khichadi is a light, nutritious fasting dish from Maharashtra made using barnyard millet(bhagar/varia rice). It is easy to digest, gluten-free, and usually cooked without onion and garlic. The subtle tempering of ghee and cumin gives it a comforting flavor, often enjoyed with peanut chutney, curd, or lemon.
This version of barnyard millet khichadi is cooked with potato or sweet potato( or any vegetable like cauliflower, beans etc.), ginger-garlic, and everyday Maharashtrian spices. It is wholesome, mildly spiced, and works well as a one-pot meal served with curd,koshimbir or pickle.
Ingredients
Bhagar / Varai (barnyard millet) – 1 cup
Potato – 1 small, cubed ( or any vegetable of choice)
Tomato – 1 small, chopped
Green chilli – 1, finely chopped
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
Roasted peanuts – 2 tbsp, coarsely crushed
Oil – 1 tbsp (or oil + ghee mix)
Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Red chilli powder – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
Goda masala – ¾ tsp
(or garam masala if unavailable)
Salt – to taste
Water – 2 to 2 1/2 cups
Fresh coriander – for garnish
COOK TIME
40 minutes
CALORIES
260 kcal
PROTEIN
6-7 g
FIBER
5-6 g
CARBOHYDRATES
38-40 g
SERVES
3
Instructions
Wash barnyard millet (bhagar) thoroughly and soak for 10–15 minutes. Drain.
Heat oil in a pressure cooker or deep pan.
Add mustard seeds; let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, green chilli, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté till aromatic.
Add tomato and cook till soft.
Add turmeric, red chilli powder, and goda masala. Mix well.
Add potato, crushed peanuts, and soaked bhagar. Stir to coat with masala.
Add salt and water.
Pressure cook for 2 whistles
(or cover and cook on low flame for 15–18 minutes).
Let pressure release naturally. Fluff gently.
Finish garnish with coriander.
Video tutorial
Notes
Nutrition Value (Per Serving – 1 bowl)
Calories: ~260–280 kcal
Macronutrients
Carbohydrates: ~38–40 g
Protein: ~6–7 g
Fat: ~9–10 g
Dietary Fiber: ~5–6 g
Micronutrients (Approx.)
Iron: ~2 mg
Calcium: ~30–35 mg
Potassium: ~350–400 mg
Magnesium: ~60 mg
Vitamin C: ~10–12 mg
B-complex vitamins: moderate (from barnyard millet & peanuts)
Health Notes
Barnyard millet (Bhagar) is low GI → good for blood sugar control
Gluten-free and easy to digest
Peanuts add healthy fats and protein
Balanced one-pot meal when served with curd or salad
Tips & Variations
Add mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas) for a complete meal.
For extra Maharashtrian flavour, add ½ tsp kala masala along with goda masala.
Adjust water for soft khichadi or separate grain pulao-style texture.
A spoon of ghee on top enhances taste.
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