Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that is easy to prepare and highly nutritious. It is typically made with a combination of rice and mung beans, along with a variety of herbs and spices that are known for their healing and detoxifying properties. Here’s what you need to know about kitchari and how to make it at home:
What is Kitchari?
Kitchari is a simple dish that is made from a combination of rice and mung beans, along with a variety of Ayurvedic spices and vegetables. It is considered to be a healing food in Ayurveda, as it is easily digestible and helps to detoxify the body.
Kitchari is typically eaten during an Ayurvedic cleanse or as a way to reset the digestive system. It is also a great dish to enjoy during times of stress or illness, as it is easy on the stomach and provides a nourishing source of protein and carbohydrates.
Benefits of Kitchari
Kitchari is a highly nutritious and easily digestible food that offers a wide range of health benefits, including:
Supports Digestive Health:
Kitchari is easy to digest and helps to soothe the digestive system, making it a great food for those who suffer from digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
Boosts Immunity:
The herbs and spices in kitchari are known to boost the immune system, helping to protect against illness and disease.
Cleanses the Body:
Kitchari is a detoxifying food that helps to remove toxins from the body, making it a great dish to enjoy during a cleanse or detox program.
Provides Energy:
Kitchari is a great source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a nourishing and energy-boosting meal.
How to Make Kitchari
Ingredients:
1 cup of white basmati rice
1 cup of split mung beans
4 cups of water
1 tablespoon of ghee
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
Salt to taste
Vegetables of your choice (optional)
Directions:
1.Rinse the rice and mung beans together in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2.In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat and add the cumin and mustard seeds. Cook until they begin to pop.
3.Add the coriander, turmeric, fennel seeds, and ginger to the pot and stir to combine.
4.Add the rice and mung beans to the pot and stir to coat with the spices.
Add the water and salt to the pot and stir to combine.
5.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and mung beans are tender.
If desired, add vegetables of your choice (such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, peas or carrots) to the pot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchari is a simple and nourishing dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique kitchari recipe.