Try incorporating Kitchari into your regular meals or consider an Ayurvedic Kitchari, a gentle detoxing diet!
Kitchari is often recommended in Ayurveda as a gentle cleansing ritual (where one eats nothing but this simple porridge for a few days, enabling the digestive system to rest and reset) or as a preparation part of more intense cleansing and rebalancing protocols.
Kitchari is also a simple and easy anytime meal that you know will be nourishing and beneficial to your body. Mung beans or lentils contain all the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) we need for optimum health and wellbeing. While brown rice is great for healthy digestion and is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which means it takes longer for the body to break down and absorb, resulting in a lower glycaemic index. The spices support digestion, reduce inflammation while the ghee, known for its rejuvenating properties is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with essential fat-soluble vitamins D, K, E, and A, which will also help to lubricate the system and support digestive health.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic brown rice
- 1/2 cup organic split moong dal (mung beans)
- 4 Cups of water
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch cumin seeds
- Fresh or ground ginger (about half teaspoon ground or full teaspoon fresh)
- 2 Tsp. Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Ghee or vegan alternative (vegan butter, coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil)
- Garnish (optional) – extra ghee or oil, black pepper, freshly chopped coriander
Method
- Soak rice and mung beans for at least 30 mins. Drain and rinse until water runs clear.
- Warm oil and spices: Next, add oil to a medium pot on medium-low heat. Once the oil starts to warm up, carefully add the cumin seeds and cook until the seeds start to brown and become fragrant – this takes about 1 minute. Add the ginger and ground turmeric, stir for about 1 min – until heated, careful not to burn.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the rice and moong dal mixture, stir. Pour in the water, season with salt and pepper, and stir.
- Simmer: increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a slight boil. immediately turn the heat down medium-low to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. it should be soft and creamy.
- Season: Adjust the seasoning, if needed, and taste to make sure the mixture is cooked through. if not, cook for longer. Feel free to add a few tablespoons of water if it starts to get very thick.
- Garnish and serve: The Kitchari is ready to be enjoyed. Garnish by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander, ground black pepper and teaspoon of nourishing ghee (or vegan alternative such as olive oil) to taste. Serve immediately or cool down to store for later.
(Optional – add a little chopped or grated zucchini, bottle gourd, yellow squash, green beans, fresh peas, spinach or kale into mixture while cooking.) Avoid garlic, chilli and onion as these will increase rajas and tamas and aggravate pitta dosha. (To find out more about the “gunas” – tamas, rajas & sattva and the doshas CLICK HERE
Kitchari provides many benefits. It is nourishing, healing to the digestive system, cleansing, and acts as a gentle detox. Additionally, it is tri-doshic, meaning that it is balancing to all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
This recipe, along with several others, can be found in my eBook titled “Ayurveda & Yogic Lifestyle – Principles for Living a Healthy Life.”
Send me a message if you would like a copy!
Other Supplements to Consider
Chyawanprash – take 1 tablespoon twice a day (morning and evening) for detox support and immunity boosting.
Consider taking a Triphala supplement – an Ayurvedic medicinal blend of three fruits – which has numerous benefits and is especially well-known to improve digestion, ease constipation, and promote regularity. It is suggested to take Triphala between meals on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Typically, recommended doses range from 500 mg to one gram per day, though larger amounts can be used to treat constipation. It is advised to start with less and slowly build up as necessary. Powdered versions can be mixed with warm water and honey and taken before meals. If you are unsure if this is right for you or have any underlying health concerns, always check for contraindications.
Consider a dandelion or milk thistle supplement to support the liver and gallbladder at this time of year. Both are available in tincture and tablet form.
Always check for contraindications before taking a new supplement.
Avoid alcohol, sugar, cold drinks, all processed foods, ice cream, and dairy products during this time.
Focus on easy-to-digest foods rather than anything heavy to aid in the detoxification and cleansing process.
Step into Springtime with a spring in your step and renewed zest for life!
Much love
To book a free consultation to find out how we could work together on your wellness journey do not hesitate to contact me.
* (Note: The dosha and elements at play greatly depend on your location and the climate you are experiencing at the time. This could vary depending on where you are. Here, I am referring to what is typical in the northern hemisphere at this time of year).
Disclaimer:- Please note that the information contained within this article is based on my own experience and principles of healthy living from my knowledge of Ayurveda. The information and recommendations mentioned herein are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a qualified healthcare physician, psychiatrist or Ayurvedic doctor. If in doubt, or if you may require diagnosis or medical attention, consult your healthcare provider before implementing or adopting any significant diet or lifestyle changes and taking any herbal supplements.
If you are interested to know more about how Ayurveda can support you in living a more balanced and healthy lifestyle please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Contact me to book in for a FREE clarity call.
