ayurvedic kitchari
a cleansing meal for optimal digestion
Ever since discovering Ayurveda to heal my digestive issues and IBS, kitchari has become a staple in my cooking.
This recipe is not only simple and quick but also incredibly gentle on the digestive system. Whenever my agni, or digestive fire, feels off, I turn to comforting meals like this one.
Compromised digestion can result from habits like overeating, consuming heavy meals, late-night snacking, rushed eating, or mixing incompatible foods. Without proper rest and detoxification to strengthen agni, undigested food waste turns into toxins, or āma, which can build up in the gut and spread to deeper tissues.
As with many issues that affect our health, Ayurveda offers plenty of solutions, and kitchari is one of them. It provides your body a break and time to rejuvenate and cleanse. Adding it to your diet can improve gut health, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.
what is kitchari?
Kitchari is a staple dish revered for its healing properties and a recipe handed down through centuries of Ayurvedic practice.
The traditional recipe consists of rice, split mung beans, ghee, salt, turmeric, ginger, and spices, making it an easily digestible meal. It is said to be the best combination of nourishing ingredients that won’t compromise your digestive system.
The unique blend of warming, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory spices are meant to not only enhance flavour, but also balance the doshas.
It is cooked into a porridge-like consistency, which makes it easier to absorb, providing the right amount of nourishment and deliciousness.
It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, however, it is most often enjoyed for lunch or dinner as a main dish.
Everything For Body, Mind And Soul, Because…
eat kitchari regularly for…
ingredients for two people
01.
Add ghee, salt, ginger, turmeric, kombu (optional), and the remainder of the spices to your pot.
Simmer on medium heat until the aroma comes up.
02.
Add the split mung, stir together and simmer for a few minutes.
Add water and bring to a boil.
Then cook on medium heat for 15 minutes in a covered pot on the stove. This time may vary depending on your pot, cooktop and temperature in the room.
03.
Add the rice and stir everything together.
Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes. This time may vary depending on your pot, cooktop and temperature in the room.
04.
Once the mixture has a porridge-like texture let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes, so the tastes can become friends and the food settles a bit.
05.
Add kitchari to your favourite bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, linseed and lime.
