Combine moong dal, basmati rice, ghee, and spices in the Instant Pot, along with 3 cups of cold water. Cover with the lid and select “PRESSURE COOK” on “HIGH.” Set the timer for 8 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, check for residual pressure, then open the lid.
Hit "CANCEL," then select "SAUTE" and add in your salt, fresh lemon, and cilantro. Stir, simmer 1-2 minutes, then taste. Does it need more salt? Does it need more lemon? Hit CANCEL again as your khichdi is done.
Serve in a bowl with a sprinkle of black pepper, an extra spoon of ghee, and/or lemon. Enjoy!
Method for Saucepan
Combine moong dal, basmati rice, ghee, and spices in your saucepan. Add enough water to cover by about 1 inch.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, and let simmer until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check periodically to see if more water is needed. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like.
After the moong dal is cooked to your liking, add in the salt, fresh lemon, and cilantro. Stir, simmer 1-2 minutes, then taste. Does it need more salt? Does it need more lemon? Once it's perfect, turn off the heat.
Serve in a bowl with a sprinkle of black pepper, an extra spoon of ghee, and/or lemon. Enjoy!
Notes
Soak and rinse moong dal
Soaking is recommended for 2 hours or more, but not critical, because it cooks quickly. I do recommend a minimum of rinsing 5-6 times in cold water to remove the saponins (soapy-looking bubbles that can interfere with digestion.)
Use a spice masala
Substitute the spices listed with 1 teaspoon of spice masala. You can use any spices you like, between 1-2 teaspoons.
Cook vegetables with the khichdi
Add 1-2 cups chopped vegetables and cook them along with the rice and dal.
Add cooked vegetables on top of the khichdi
Make a separate vegetable side, either roasted, steamed, or braised, and enjoy as a topping.
Top with a chutney or pickle
Try with a bit of ginger-lime pickle or cilantro chutney, or another Indian pickle. You could also grate some carrot, beet, or radish and enjoy it as a fresh topping.
Top with chopped nuts or seeds
Lightly roast nuts or seeds and enjoy as a topping.
Substitute moong dal
You can also make khichdi with mung beans, red lentils, toor dal, yellow lentils, etc.