Samak Rice Khichdi
Cook barnyard millet with cumin and roasted peanut powder for a soft Navratri khichdi.
- Prep
- 10 min (+10 min soak)
- Cook
- 20 min
- Serves
- 3 small bowls
About 40 min total elapsed time, including 10 min for soaking, resting or cooling. Times are estimates; already boiled ingredients need separate preparation.
⚖️ Fasting ingredients and spices vary by household. Check the full list against your family’s practice and any allergies.
Samak, sama or vrat rice is barnyard millet, not ordinary rice. Rinsing, a short soak and a gentle simmer help it cook evenly. This version makes a softly spoonable khichdi; adjust the final water rather than aiming for separate rice-like grains.
Ingredients 🧂
- Samak rice1 cup
- Peanut powder3 tbsp, roasted
- Ghee1 tbsp
- Green chilli (optional)1, slit
- Ginger (optional)1 tsp, grated
- Cumin½ tsp
- Sendha namak½ tsp, adjust to taste
- Water2½ cups, plus hot water as needed
Method 👨🍳
- 1
Rinse the samak in a fine sieve, soak for ten minutes and drain.
- 2
Heat ghee in a saucepan. Add cumin and optional chilli and ginger, allowing them to sizzle briefly.
- 3
Add drained samak and stir gently for a minute to coat the grains.
- 4
Add the measured water and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat and simmer loosely covered until the grains are tender, about 12–15 minutes.
- 5
Stir in roasted peanut powder and a little hot water if the mixture is thicker than you want. Check the grains are fully cooked.
- 6
Rest covered off the heat for a few minutes, fluff gently and serve warm.
💡 Pro tips
- Use a fine sieve because the grains are small.
- The khichdi thickens on standing; hot water loosens it when reheating.
Plan ahead
Measure dry ingredients ahead. Cook nearer serving, or refrigerate cooked khichdi promptly and reheat thoroughly with extra water if needed.
Common questions
Is samak the same as regular rice?
No. It is barnyard millet sold as sama, samak or vrat rice, and its texture and water needs differ.
Can I leave out the peanuts?
Yes. Omit the peanut powder for a nut-free version and check other ingredients for any relevant allergy warnings.