Kitchari is a simple, one-pot dish that is typically made with a combination of rice and lentils or split mung beans. The cooked dish has a porridge-like consistency and is often yellow or golden due to the use of turmeric. It may also have small pieces of vegetables mixed in depending on the recipe used. You can garnish the Kitchari with fresh cilantro or other herbs and serve it hot as a main dish or as a side dish alongside other Indian dishes.
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Kitchari (European version)
Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that is commonly eaten in India as a staple food for its simplicity and nourishing properties. It is made with a combination of rice and lentils and can be customized with various spices and vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup split yellow mung beans or red lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 cloves of garlic (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and lentils in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds and cook until the seeds start to pop.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes untilfragrant.
- Add the rice, lentils, and water to the pot, along with the turmeric, coriander, and cumin powders. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender and most of the water has been absorbed.
- Add salt to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
The caloric value was calculated per serving.
You can add vegetables of your choice like carrots, peas, cauliflower, etc. to the kitchari to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Simply chop the vegetables into small pieces and add them to the pot with the rice and lentils in step 4. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you use.
If you cannot find an ingredient in your region, feel free to remove or substitute it as you see fit.
If you cannot find an ingredient in your region, feel free to remove or substitute it as you see fit.
Check out all our recipes here.
Perfect recipe to use the vegetables from the fridge