Kitchari

Kitchari is the number 1 healing food which comes from the Indian continent. It’s qualities are balancing, nourishing, light and easy to digest which makes it a good food for children, older people, the convalescing and for when you need a big bowl of love. Enjoy several times a week to rest your gut and improve your digestion.

Ingredients

  • Vata – ¾ cup basmati rice ¼ cup moong dal Pitta – ½ cup basmati rice ½ cup moong dal Kapha – ¼ cup basmati rice ¾ cup moong dal

  • 1 tbs ghee can add extra for vata, less for kapha

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds

  • 1 tsp turmeric ground

  • 1 tsp coriander root ground (optional)

  • 1 tsp ginger fresh chopped

  • small Pinch asafoetida (hing)

  • Vegetables of your choice (optional) 1 cup Carrot/sweet potato/broccoli/green beans/etc chopped into smallish pieces

  • Salt to taste

  • Garnish 2 tbs coriander chopped

  • 2 wedges Lemon

  • 1 tbs sour cream or additional ghee (if desired)

Method

  1. Rinse rice and beans and soak overnight or for at least an hour if you are impatient.

  2. Heat ghee in medium pot and when hot add cumin and mustard seeds, wait til they spin and start popping then add other spices, hing and ginger

  3. Stir and allow to cook for about 30 seconds Add rice and beans and mix well, cook for 1-2 minutes

  4. Add about 4-6 cups water and any root vegetables, bring to boil, then turn heat to medium low and cover.

  5. Cook for about 40 minutes or until rice and beans combine and are very soft and liquid has been absorbed.

  6. Add more water if required.

  7. Add soft veges 5 minutes before end of cooking time and season with salt to taste. Serve and garnish with a squeeze of lemon, coriander leaves and ghee/sour cream.

  8. Enjoy!

  9. Note: Feel free to play around with spice combinations and add different veges to suit your mood and tastes. You could also try using quinoa instead of rice for a lighter variation.