Sama Chawal Khichdi is a popular dish during Navratri and other Hindu fasting (vrat) days. Made from barnyard millet (sama chawal), it’s light on the stomach, gluten-free, and easy to digest — yet packed with nutrition. This pressure cooker version is a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy a warm, flavorful, and satiating vrat-friendly meal.

What is Sama Chawal Khichdi?

Sama Chawal, also known as barnyard millet or samak rice, is not actually rice but a seed. It’s a staple during Indian fasting rituals due to its light texture and nutritional value. Sama Khichdi is prepared using this millet, vegetables like bottle gourd and potato, and mild spices — making it ideal for detoxifying and cleansing during vrat.

Main Ingredients of Sama Khichdi:

• Sama Chawal (Barnyard Millet)

• Bottle Gourd

• Potato

• Buttermilk

• Ghee and Cumin

• Ginger, Curry Leaves, Green Chillies

What Is So Special About This Khichdi?

• Naturally gluten-free and light on the stomach

• Perfectly suitable for fasting and detox days

• Cooked in one pot with easily digestible ingredients

• Comforting, mildly spiced, and very versatile

Quick and Easy Vrat Khichdi:

• Pressure cooker version reduces cooking time

• No complex preparation or heavy spices

• Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal ingredients

MEYER Presta 2L Tri-ply with Outer Lid Pressure Cooker

How to Make Sama Khichdi in Pressure Cooker

Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Rinse and soak ½ cup sama chawal for 15–20 minutes. Chop bottle gourd and potatoes.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, chopped green chillies, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.

3. Add Veggies & Spices:

• Add chopped bottle gourd and potatoes. Sprinkle clove-cinnamon powder, rock salt, and optional sugar.

4. Add Sama Chawal:

• Add soaked sama rice and ½ cup buttermilk. Pour in 2 cups total liquid (buttermilk + water combined).

5. Pressure Cook:

• Mix well and close the lid. Cook for 4 whistles on low flame.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid, fluff the khichdi gently, and garnish with coriander.

• Serve hot with fasting raita, green chutney, or curd.

Expert Tips:

• Maintain a 1:5 ratio of sama chawal to liquid (buttermilk counts as liquid).

• Don’t skip ghee — it enhances flavor and helps digestion.

• For richer taste, add a spoon of fasting cream or crushed roasted peanuts.

Recipe Card

Sama Chawal Khichdi

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Category

Main Course

Servings

2

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

300

Quick and healthy Sama Chawal Khichdi made in a pressure cooker — perfect for Navratri or any fasting day. A light, nutritious, and gluten-free one-pot meal.

Author:

Parth Kapoor

Ingredients

• ½ cup sama chawal (barnyard millet)
• 200 g bottle gourd, chopped
• 1 medium potato, chopped
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 7–10 curry leaves
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ tsp clove-cinnamon powder
• Rock salt (sendha namak), to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 2 cups water (adjust including buttermilk)
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

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Directions

1. Rinse and soak sama chawal for 15–20 minutes.

2. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and ginger. Sauté.
3. Add chopped bottle gourd and potatoes. Mix in spices and salt.
4. Add sama chawal, buttermilk, and water.
5. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 whistles on low flame.
6. Let pressure release naturally. Fluff and garnish with coriander.
7. Serve hot with vrat raita or chutney.

Recipe Note

You can also add chopped carrots or spinach for variation. For a creamier texture, stir in 1 tsp of fresh cream just before serving.