Kitchari is a deeply healing dish that I have learned about as I continue to delve into Ayurveda - an ancient system of medicine. Kitchari is very gentle and beneficial for the digestive system due to all the wonderful spices it contains.
It is especially helpful during times of seasonal change, illness, and stress. It's easy to make once you get the hang of it, tastes delicious, and is a one-pot meal. You could say it is "India's chicken soup for the soul." It has quickly become my new favorite comfort food.
The hardest part about making this dish is probably just acquiring all the seeds and spices. Once you do that, it's smooth sailing! You may tailor the recipe due to your specific needs or your dosha (your Ayurvedic constitution). You can also buy a pre-made Kitchari spice mix from Banyan Botanicals.
Kitchari
1/2 cup yellow split mung beans
1/2 cup basmati rice
1 tablespoon ghee or butter
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/8 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional - good for Vata and Kapha dosha)
dash of cinnamon
5 cups of water (may need to add more)
sea salt
Garnish: (optional)
fresh cilantro (especially good for Pitta dosha)
lime juice
Directions:
Rinse split mung beans and basmati rice in a colander.
Make sure all spices are prepared (I like to add them to a little dish). Keep the turmeric set aside separately. Also keep the 5 cups of water right next to your stove.
Melt ghee or butter in a large saucepan. Add all spices except the turmeric. Stir frequently for 1 minute. Add the turmeric at the very end and saute for just 5 seconds (otherwise it will burn). Immediately add the 5 cups of water.
Add the split mung beans and basmati rice. Bring the water to a boil, then to a simmer. Simmer for 35-40 mins. You may need to add more water along the way. The finished consistency should be like a thick stew. Finish with sea salt, garnish if desired, and enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda, your dosha, and a custom tailored aromatic blend to bring balance and healing, take a look at my personal aromatherapy consultations.
An Ayurvedic intake is available upon request.
It is especially helpful during times of seasonal change, illness, and stress. It's easy to make once you get the hang of it, tastes delicious, and is a one-pot meal. You could say it is "India's chicken soup for the soul." It has quickly become my new favorite comfort food.
The hardest part about making this dish is probably just acquiring all the seeds and spices. Once you do that, it's smooth sailing! You may tailor the recipe due to your specific needs or your dosha (your Ayurvedic constitution). You can also buy a pre-made Kitchari spice mix from Banyan Botanicals.
Kitchari
1/2 cup yellow split mung beans
1/2 cup basmati rice
1 tablespoon ghee or butter
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/8 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional - good for Vata and Kapha dosha)
dash of cinnamon
5 cups of water (may need to add more)
sea salt
Garnish: (optional)
fresh cilantro (especially good for Pitta dosha)
lime juice
Directions:
Rinse split mung beans and basmati rice in a colander.
Make sure all spices are prepared (I like to add them to a little dish). Keep the turmeric set aside separately. Also keep the 5 cups of water right next to your stove.
Melt ghee or butter in a large saucepan. Add all spices except the turmeric. Stir frequently for 1 minute. Add the turmeric at the very end and saute for just 5 seconds (otherwise it will burn). Immediately add the 5 cups of water.
Add the split mung beans and basmati rice. Bring the water to a boil, then to a simmer. Simmer for 35-40 mins. You may need to add more water along the way. The finished consistency should be like a thick stew. Finish with sea salt, garnish if desired, and enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda, your dosha, and a custom tailored aromatic blend to bring balance and healing, take a look at my personal aromatherapy consultations.
An Ayurvedic intake is available upon request.
RSS Feed