Nourishing Kitchari
Kitchari nourishes all of the tissues of the body and counter-balances most symptoms, making it a staple meal in Ayurveda. It is also excellent for detoxification and is prescribed for cleansing, or Panchakarma. Kitchari is an excellent source of protein and is a mix of mung dal and basmati rice with healing spices. The basic recipe contains 2 parts rice to 1 part dal. The vegetables may vary based on what symptoms you want to counter-balance.
This simple recipe is ideal for midday when your digestive fire is the strongest. To receive the full nourishment of your meal, be sure to sit and enjoy it for 30-minutes. This signals your body that it should prepare itself for the food that is coming.
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice*
1⁄2 cup yellow split mung dal*
3 Tbsp ghee
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 pinches asafoetida
1⁄2 tsp turmeric
1⁄2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
4 cups water
*Pre-soak rice and dal for 3-4 hours to help with digestibility.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation
In a saucepan over medium heat, heat ghee, and then add mustard seeds, cumin and afsafoetida.
Add rice, dal, turmeric, and salt and stir until spices are blended in.
Add water and bring to a boil for 5-7 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Turn heat down to low and cook with a cover slightly open for 20-25 minutes until tender.
If you’re ready to approach your diet as a remedy for healing, you might appreciate:
an explanation of The Principle of Ayurvedic Eating
my Spiced Coconut Apple Breakfast Quinoa recipe, an easy-to-digest breakfast
my recipe for Asparagus Soup, a light dinner to wind down your day
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
