Veg cheese khichadi

This is the another dish for toddlers and kids, loaded with nutrients as well as delicious. 

One more thing, I am not sure whether adding grated cheese reduces the iron absorption. But it does makes this khichadi delicious and your toddler will finish it immediately.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 3/4 cup rice
• 1/4 cup dal (moong/toor/masoor)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 4-5 curry leaves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp tumeric powder
• 1/2 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 3/4 cup vegetables of choice, finely choppeed (green peas, beans, carrots, pumpkin, bell peppers, cabbage, bottle guard, ridge guard, spinach, etc.)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• Salt to taste (Use restricted amount of salt for toddlers)
• 2 cups water 
• 2 cheese cubes, grated
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped

Procedure:

1. Wash rice and dal, till water runs clear, keep aside.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee medium flame. Add cumin and mustard seeds. Allow to splutter.
3. Add curry leaves and chopped onion. Saute till it turns translucent. Add ginger garlic and saute.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and asafoetida. Mix well. 
5. Add chopped veggies, tomatoes and saute for a minute.
6. Add warm water and salt to taste.
7. Close the cooker lid and cook on high flame. After 1st whistle, reduce the flame to medium and cook for 3 whistles. 
8. Add grated cheese and chopped coriander leaves while serving.

Notes and variations:

1. You can add soy chunks, paneer cubes or mushrooms.
2. Sprouts or soaked lentils can be added instead of dal.
3. When making the recipe for toddlers, add little more water to make soft khichadi.
4. Don't skip the tomatoes. Vitamin C in the tomatoes help absorb iron in the food. If your toddler likes, you can add lemon juice when serving, instead of tomatoes.
5. Peel the carrots and ridge guards before chopping.