Kitchari

Kitchari

Main Dish
40 min
4 servings
210 kcal / serving

Kitchari, also called Khichdi, is a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with a mixture of yellow split mung beans, Basmati rice, and spices.

Ingredients

  • ½ cupmoong dal (split mung beans)
  • ½ cupbasmati rice
  • 4 cupswater
  • 1 tablespoonghee
  • 1 teaspooncumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoonminced fresh ginger
  • ¼ teaspoonground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoonsea salt
  • ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
  • ½ cupchopped fresh cilantro
  • slices of lime or lemon

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the rice and moong dal. Pour enough water to cover the mixture and soak for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour the mixture into a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water until it runs clear.

  2. 2

    Warm the oil or ghee on medium-low heat in a medium pot. Carefully add the cumin seeds and let them cook for about a minute until the seeds start to brown and become fragrant. Add the ginger and ground turmeric.

  3. 3

    Add the rice and dal mixture into the pot. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Stir and add the 4 cups of water.

  4. 4

    Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn the heat down immediately to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy.

  5. 5

    Taste the kitchari to make sure the texture is soft.  If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer. Turn off the heat and adjust the seasoning, if needed, and stir again. Serve or cool down completely and refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 days.