Farali Kuttu Khichdi/ Buckwheat Khichdi

EVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP
THEME: #165 NAVRATRI SPECIAL
RECIPE: FARALI KUTTU KHICHDI/ BUCKWHEAT KHICHDI
What is Farali Kuttu Khichdi/ Buckwheat Khichdi
For Farali Kuttu Khichdi/ Buckwheat Khichdi, legumes are not used but buckwheat is cooked with potatoes, herbs, spices and nuts. According to the Hindu culture, the word farali refers to any food that is can be used during Fasting Days. Besides the Ekadashi fasting that comes twice a month, Navratri fasting is another one where many communities follow the rule of not consuming grains, pulses, legumes, cereals and certain vegetables.By the way, Kuttu is the Hindi word for Buckwheat. Since buckwheat is not a grain it is a farali ingredient. Usually, khichdi is a dish where any legume and rice are cooked together.
What is Navratri?
Nav means nine in the Hindi language and ratri means nights. So, Navratri is a Hindi festival that is celebrated over nine nights. Different parts of India celebrate this festival in different ways. But one thing is common and that these nine nights are celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars.
Celebrate in North East and East India
In the northern east and East part of India Navratri is celebrated as Durga Pooja. During these nine days Durga Ma is worshipped with religious rituals, food offering, dance and merriment. Therefore, Its a time for fasting and religious rituals for many all over India.
In Gujarat or for Gujaratis
For Gujaratis it means garba and dandhia (dance). For most Gujaratis these 9 days of fasting means no grains or pulses are consumed along with many of the beans and other vegetables. The dishes one can prepare are exactly as the same as the ones we make for Ekadashi or Farali. There are some who fast 9 days without taking any salt and eat only fruits, nuts and milk.
What is Buckwheat?
Buckwheat is not related at all to wheat. In fact its known as a pseudo cereal. The name buckwheat comes from the tree beech as the buckwheat seeds resemble the beech nuts of the beech tree, triangular in shape. Why is it not a cereal or grain? Well, because buckwheat plant is related to sorrel, rhubarb and knotweed and its actually a fruit seed. Buckwheat is commonly used during fasting. The flour is more commonly used to make puris, pakodas, dosas or chilas, dhokra etc. The whole seeds or groat as its called can be used to make khichdi or porridge.
It is believed that the domesticated version of buckwheat was first planted 6000BCE in the inland of South East Asia and it spread from there to other parts of Asia and Europe. Its used to make soba noodles, the Russians make blini (pancakes) from it and is used to make crepes in France.
Advantages of Including Buckwheat in your diet:
- Its healthy, light on the stomach. Doesn’t leave you bloated
- Its gluten free
- Low in calories
- Rich source of protein
- Has a good amount of dietary fiber
- Low Glycemic Index – which makes it ideal for diabetics
- Contains antioxidants
- A good source of Vitamin B and magnesium, manganese and phosphorus
FoodieMonday/ Bloghop Group:
The group unanimously decided Navratri Special as the 165th theme. As I mentioned, different regions of India celebrate Navratri in different ways. While Gujaratis and some North Indians consume only Farali Food, in South India Sundals is a must. Sundal is a traditional South Indian Dish that is specially prepared for Pooja or offering and usually is made from legumes. Other parts of the regions will refrain from meat, fish, eggs, while some will not even have onion and garlic for those nine days. As for me, since we follow the only Farali Food tradition, I decided to use buckwheat groat to make farali kuttu khichdi / Buckwheat khichdi.
Some Farali Dishes that you may want to check out:
- Enjoy a healthy and filling salad during the fasting days : Apple Avocado Quinoa Salad
- Start the day with a healthy but filling breakfast with Saffron Tapioca Pudding
- Or Enjoy a nice thick flavorful lassi (yogurt smoothie) – Peach Cardamom Lassi
- Enjoy Samo Tikki/ Barnyard Millet Pattis as a snack
- I personally love to have Rajgira Thalipeeth – a flatbread made from amaranth flour, mashed potato and spices
- Baking some fasting freshly cookies was a good way to encourage kids to fast. I usually make Fig and Amaranth Cookies
- My family loves Sabudana Vada, fried snack with tapioca pearls and potato
- Fasting is incomplete for us without Moriyo Khichdi/ Barnyard Millet Khichdi
- We get plenty of fresh cassava so I make Cassava in Coconut Milk often and Fried Cassava.
- As offering or Prasad to Durga Ma we prepare Samo Kheer, Coconut Barfi, Peanut Ladoo ,and Rajgira Halwa
- Renu prepares Farali Dhokla using buckwheat and water chestnut flours.
Ingredients required for Farali Kuttu Khichdi/ Buckwheat Khichdi
- Buckwheat Groat
- Potatoes –
- Peanuts – roasted and lightly crushed
- Fresh Mint
- Fresh Coriander
- Green Chilllis – amount depends according to your taste
- Ginger
- Cumin Seeds – jeera
- Sesame Seeds – tal or simsim avoid if you don’t have it for fasting
- Cinnamon Powder – taj powder
- Clove Powder – laving powder
- Water – to cook the buckwheat
- Oil/ Ghee – use only sunflower oil, olive oil or ghee
- Fresh Curry Leaves
- Sugar – optional
- Lemon Juice
- Salt – use sendha namak or rock salt
Dietary Tips
- Gluten Free
- Vegan
- Satvik as it has no onion or garlic
- Good of diabetics as it has a low glycemic index

FARALI KUTTU KHICHDI/BUCKWHEAT KHICHDI
Ingredients
- 1 cup buckwheat groat
- 1¼ cup water
- 1 medium potato peeled and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup coarsely chopped peanuts roasted and shelled
- ½ cup chopped fresh coriander
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
- 2-3 green chilis
- 1 ich ginger
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp clove powder
- ½ tsp sugar optional
- 1 tbsp oil/ghee
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1¼ - 1½ tsp rock salt
Instructions
- Wash buckwheat groat in water 3-4 times.
- Add one cup water from the measured water and let it soak for 30 - 60 minutes.
- Add the buckwheat groat and water into a pan.
- Add 1 tsp salt(from the measured amount) and cook the groat over medium heat till its done. This may take about 10-15 minutes. You don't want it overcooked or mushy.
- Remove the cooked buckwheat into a plate and spread it out using a fork so that it cools down completely.
- Add mint, coriander, green chillis and ginger into a food processor. Process to a course paste.
- Heat oil/ghee in a wide pan over medium heat.
- When it becomes hot, add cumin seeds, sesame seeds. When the seeds begin to sizzle and pop, add the curry leaves.
- Add the chopped potato and remaining salt.
- Mix well, lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook the potatoes till done. You may need to add the remaining ¼ cup water to help the potatoes to cook.
- Add the coarsely chopped peanuts and mix well.
- Add the green paste and mix well.
- Add cinnamon and clove powders, sugar and mix well.
- Add the buckwheat groat and lemon juice. Mix very well.
- Let the khichdi become hot over low heat, gently mixing it occasionally so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Serve khichdi on its own or with plain yogurt.
Notes
Adjust the spices /condiments according to your taste. I prefer less sugar and more lemon juice.
Buckwheat groat doesn't take long to cook so keep an eye as you don't want it mushy.
Add cubed paneer instead of potatoes if you like.
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If you do try this recipe then please either
- add a comment below,
- send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
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- or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
43 Comments
The Girl Next Door
October 8, 2018 at 3:25 pm
The khichdi looks amazingly delicious! I have a bag of buckwheat groats with me, and I’ve been wondering what to do with them. Now, I know. 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 8, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Make it Priya.. its yummy. Can also make it like oat porridge. Also can add lentils and make like a normal khichdi, instead of using rice.
Sujata Roy
October 8, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Khichdi looks so inviting. Something new to me. Never made buckwheat. Amazing share. I would love to have it anytime.
mayurisjikoni
October 8, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Thanks Sujata, do try it as its very healthy and diabetic friendly, just don’t add the potatoes, add another veg.
Amrita
October 9, 2018 at 7:06 am
I made it with millets once and it was superb! This looks so inviting,warm and food for the soul! Can polish off the whole bowl!
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 12:39 am
Thanks Amrita.. thats a good idea to try with millet. Will do so. I’ve made a gooey khichdi with it.
Seema Doraiswamy Sriram
October 9, 2018 at 7:56 am
I love Buckwheat, very often we swap that for rice. I am so thrilled to see this minty version as I love mint too.
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 12:38 am
Thanks Seema.. do try it, its tasty.
Vidya Narayan
October 9, 2018 at 9:08 am
While this looks like sabudana khichdi with green spices, it is a much much healthier and filling Khichdi version. South Indians dont fast during Navratris and we focus on Pulses during this entire 9 days in the form of sundals. I feel every region has its own charm and way of celebrating but what is more wonderful is the variety of food such festivals bring in. Some of my guests fast during Navratri so I end up making fasting snacks too that are not deep fried which they enjoy. Since everyone is into healthy living these days, such recipes are a treasure. I need to use Buckwheat Groat soon and a great tip on soaking to reduce the cooking time. Happy Navratri to you and family! Jai Mata Di!
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 12:36 am
Thank you so much Vidya, India has such a wide variety of dishes and its good that now different communities mix up and we get to taste new dishes. Wishing you and your family too a very Happy Navratri.
Vanitha Bhat
October 10, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Looks so healthy and inviting! I have never tried buckwheat groats; I guess it is high time I do starting with your dish! Thanks for sharing dear 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 9:30 pm
Thanks Vanitha and you’re welcome. Please do try the recipe and its so healthy.
Meghna Chatterjee
October 10, 2018 at 8:01 pm
Love this version of the dish, looks so yummy and tempting. Thanks for the share 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 9:29 pm
Thanks Meghna and you’re welcome.
spiceaffairs2016
October 10, 2018 at 8:18 pm
The khichadi looks so yummy 😋, have to try your recipe for the Navratri fasting season, it looks so soul satisfying.
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 9:29 pm
Thanks Soma, please try it..its healthy and filling.
Jagruti Dhanecha
October 10, 2018 at 10:45 pm
I love to use buckwheat in my cooking, usually I make upma with it. Great for controlling sugar levels, like addition of mint in this recipe.
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Thanks Jagruti.
Pavani
October 11, 2018 at 1:21 am
Khichadi looks healthy and delicious too. I have to try making this recipe as I never had this one before.
mayurisjikoni
October 11, 2018 at 9:13 pm
Thanks Pavani and please do try it as its really healthy.
Padma
October 11, 2018 at 9:53 am
Buckwheat khichdi sounds so interesting and healthy….Very apt and must try recipe for the Navratri fasting season….Totally yummy & filling 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 11, 2018 at 9:12 pm
Thank you so much Padma.
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta
October 11, 2018 at 12:27 pm
The khichadi looks really so yummy !!! Thank you for sharing during the Navratri fasting season 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 11, 2018 at 9:12 pm
Thanks Sasmita and you’re welcome.
jayashreetrao
October 11, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Some of these are quite new to me, I must try sometime. Different regions and different cultures. The dish looks delicious.
mayurisjikoni
October 11, 2018 at 9:11 pm
Thanks Jayashree, do try it.
poonampagar
October 11, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I use kuttu ata but never tried anything with the groat. This khichadi sounds delicious di..I would definitely give it a try. Thanks for the share.
code2cook
October 12, 2018 at 12:23 am
with all preparation it is tempting me a lot. I have not bought buckwheat seed like this. only flour. but this farali khichdi worth trying. Bookmarked.
mayurisjikoni
October 12, 2018 at 10:00 pm
Thanks Bhawana and please do try using buckwheat groat or seeds as its really healthy and filling. You can make it also like a normal pulao.
theculinarypeace
October 12, 2018 at 7:14 pm
Wow this is totally new to me. Would love to try this when I find buckwheat groats here.
mayurisjikoni
October 12, 2018 at 9:53 pm
Thank you so much. I don’ know where you are based but its easy to get some online.
Renu Agrawal Dongre
October 13, 2018 at 1:41 pm
Wow this buckwheat khichadi looks so so delicious and yum, and wait did you mention that it is a fasting food, I would love to fast always if you give me this comforting bowl.
mayurisjikoni
October 13, 2018 at 10:10 pm
Thank Renu and yes its used for fasting as its not a cereal or pulse. Kuttu atta too is used widely for fasting.
Lathiya
October 13, 2018 at 6:27 pm
I haven used buckwheat yet…but this Kichidi looks scrumptious…with fresh coriander and mint am sure it’s so flavorful
mayurisjikoni
October 13, 2018 at 10:08 pm
Thanks Lathiya, try it is so healthy. You can make it also like a normal pulao or khichdi.
Preethi Prasad
October 14, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Buckwheat Khichdi sounds interesting and looks absolutely lip smacking.Love this healthy share for the theme.Bookmarking this recipe.
mayurisjikoni
October 14, 2018 at 8:55 pm
Thank you Preethi, please share a photo whenever you make it.
kritisinghal2403
October 14, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Looks really innovative… have never heard anything like this before… healthy share…. infact, i haven’t heard more than sabudana khichdi during Navratris…this is a pleasant change 🙂
mayurisjikoni
October 14, 2018 at 8:54 pm
Its like the new kid on the block…buckwheat is a healthy seed and widely used nowadays for fasting.
Sujata Shukla
October 15, 2018 at 11:36 am
Cant imagine that a khichidi could look so good! I have been trying to reduce rice and have a varied diet, and this buckwheat khichidi is one I should add to my menu. Thank you for giving one more healthy food option which looks tasty too!
mayurisjikoni
October 15, 2018 at 7:36 pm
Thanks Sujata, I love buckwheat groat and its so healthy. You can add veggies of your choice.
jasmine jasmine
August 31, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Hi Mayuri, so refreshing to see a recipe without the use of ‘garam masala’ etc- you probably know what I mean- your recipe uses individual spices and looks wonderful! I am trying it without Mint (dont have any), peanuts (dont like them) and sesame seeds (dont have any). It still looks delicious! I will keep coming to your blog. Keep inspiring.
Carole
July 22, 2021 at 9:35 am
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.