Kitchari - My Fav Dish!

Literally the one meal I rave about is Kitchari!

Kitchari means mixture It’s an age-old recipe that’s used in Indian culture, usually a staple meal given when you’re feeling a little under the weather or sick. I tend to make this at the start of the week and have the leftovers for breakfast/lunch during the week and it’s super nourishing. I was first introduced to it last year when I attended a 3-day yoga retreat at Heart and Soul in Otford.

In Ayurveda, Kitchari is like the mother of all dishes; the lentils and rice come together to make a complete protein and the veggies provide vitamins and minerals and the spices detox your body. A kitchari cleanse is common in Ayurveda to cleanse the stomach and digestive system and to help nourish, replenish, and reset your body during seasonal changes.

Please give it a try and let me know! It’s the biggest hug in a bowl and makes you feel so whole and nourished. Your body will thank you.

RECIPE

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

* 1⁄2 cup basmati rice
* 1⁄2 cup green mung beans
* 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
* 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
* 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp garam masala
* 1 tsp ground coriander
* 1 tsp ground turmeric
* 1 tsp ginger
* 1 tbsp coconut oil or oil of choice
* 2-3 cups vegetable broth or water
* 1 400ml can coconut milk or coconut cream
* Chopped vegetables of choice (zucchini, carrot, baby tomato, broccoli)
* Fresh herbs (cilantro leaves)
* Spinach leaves (optional)
* Avocado (optional)
* Papadams, naan or sourdough (optional)

Method:

  • Soak the mung beans for 30-60 minutes, then rinse and drain and check for stones

  • Combine the seeds and then combine the spices in a separate bowl (leave out turmeric)

  • Add oil to pot and add the seeds first until you hear them pop!

  • Add spices, then ginger, then mung beans and rice and simmer for 2-5 minutes then add turmeric

  • Add water and bring to boil then add small chopped veggies and then the coconut milk

  • Reduce heat to simmer and cover for 15-20 mins (add more water if required)

  • Add salt and pepper then add broccoli last 4 mins then turn off heat before all the water evaporates to avoid burning

  • Serve with cilantro, spinach leaves, avo and papadams or sourdough 

Don’t forget to make and serve with love and happiness ♡
Ayurveda, RecipesJasmine AbelKitchari, Cleanse, Whole Foods, Vegan1 Comment