Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that’s known for its ability to detox the body and balance all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It has numerous amount of benefits which include removing toxins, restoring nutrition, and it’s easy to digest. Kitchari cleansing is a healing soup that is gently formulated with mung beans and basmati rice along with other ingredients to restore proper nutrition back into the body. The soup itself is meant to calm the intestinal tract and relight the ‘Agni,’ or fire, in the belly.
The Mung beans are a great source of fiber which helps remove toxins from your body. They also help get rid of any toxic build-up that occurs in your intestinal lining. The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life.
How to make Kitchari – Ayurvedic dish?
Ingredients (For 3-4 persons)
- ½ cup of Basmathi rice
- ½ cup mung beans
- 3 tablespoons organic ghee
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 2 pinches asafoetida/hing
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 cups chopped vegetables ( carrot, zucchini, spinach, cauliflower, etc.)
- 3 to 4 cups water, depending on desired consistency
- Cilantro for garnish
Direction
- Wash the moong beans and soak them overnight. Wash the rice.
- In a large saucepan, heat the organic ghee over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and cook until they pop.
- After add the ginger and cook until lightly browned.
- Then add the tomato and remaining spices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add rice and moong beans, stir well and cover for 3 minutes.
- Stir again, add vegetables and water, and cover. Stir every few minutes and cook until rice and moong beans are tender, about 20-30 minutes.8.
- Garnish with coriander.
