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"I can't sleep if I don't eat..." Kareena Kapoor on her love for her favorite desi dish and the joy of cooking with Saif at home

etimes.in | Last updated on - May 12, 2026, 11:05 IST
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Importance of home-cooked food and why Kareena swears by it

Kareena Kapoor is known for her love for homemade food. From aloo ka paratha loaded with white makkhan to biryani, she is a pure Punjabi who loves her carbs. But at the same time she is also the epitome of living fit and staying in shape will eating all her favourite foods. Since her collaboration with celebrity nutritionist Rujuts Diwekar, she has been vocal about simple homecooked meals and has been loving every bit of it. According to a talk show featuring Kareena and Rujuta, she can't do without this one desi Indian dish and says, "I can't sleep if I don't eat..." Scroll down to find out.

2/4

Kareena on love for cooking with Saif

Advocating the benefits of cooking at home, Kareena says that we as a family have started loving homecooked food so much that me and Saif have also started cooking and we enjoy it. She adds, "Rujuta is quite like for the fact that cook your meal, eat at home and keep it simple, so we have also kind of made it a way of life that and somehow it reflects in our personality as a couple." When asked who is a better cook at home, Kareena affirms, "He (Saif) definitely, and I feel males make better chefs, I don't know."

3/4

Kareena's love for her favourite food

I love simple ghar ka khana and I feel like a zillion bucks and there is nothing like a homecooked food. She further states, and if you ask me my favourite comfort food, it is Dal Khichdi. She adds, "If there is no khichdi in my diet for at least 2-3 days in a week, I will crave and message Rujuta and ask why there is no khichdi, I can't sleep in the night." "I need khichdi, else I can't sleep at night. I am so comfortable with khichdi that I can eat it 5 times a week, it keeps me happy with that one dollop of ghee, and that's my dinner tonight too," she winks.

4/4

What makes Dal Khichdi a complete meal?

Dal Khichdi is often referred to as a light or recovery meal, but at the same time it is also a nutritionally balanced, wholesome dish that can stand on its own as a complete meal.
Perfect protein combination: Using rice and dal together makes for a complete protein profile, which is good for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Easy to digest: It is easy to digest and is gentle on the stomach. It is proven to provide all essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of fats, which gives energy and keeps you active.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Khichdi is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, if you add veggies like carrots, peas, spinach, or beans to it.
Balanced mix of macronutrients: A well-prepared khichdi is rich in carbohydrates, protein and fats. This balance helps maintain steady energy levels, prevents sudden blood sugar spikes, and keeps you full for longer.

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Copyright © Jun 1, 2026, 11.20AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service