Kitchari: Nourishment for Body, Mind & Spirit
Kitchari is more than just food—it’s a healing meal deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. Simple, grounding, and nourishing, this one-pot dish of split mung beans, basmati rice, and warming spices has been used for centuries to balance the body, reset digestion, and support spiritual practice.
Often served during detoxes, seasonal transitions, or after yoga and meditation, kitchari is easy to digest and naturally sattvic—promoting clarity, calm, and vitality.
Whether you’re seeking comfort, cleansing, or a return to simplicity, this beloved dish is a delicious reminder that healing often begins in the kitchen.
Kitchari Recipe (10 Portions)
Ingredients:
Grains & Legumes:
- 1 ½ cups yellow mung dal
- 1 ½ cups white basmati rice
- 5 cups water (for cooking dal & rice)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 lbs asparagus
- 2 lbs zucchini (4 small-medium sized)
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes
- 1 piece fresh ginger (about index finger size)
- 9 cups water (for boiling veggies)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp Ghee
- 3 tbsp Kitchari spice mix (containing mustard seeds, cumin, etc.)
- Mung Dal:
-
- Wash 1 ½ cups yellow mung dal several times.
- Soak overnight, covered with water (allow extra space for expansion).
- oBefore cooking, rinse well again to remove foam.
- Basmati Rice:
-
- Wash 1 ½ cups white basmati rice several times until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil on high heat.
- Add the drained mung dal. Lower heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the washed basmati rice. Continue boiling until the rice is cooked but not mushy.
- Stir in 1 tbsp salt at the end. Set aside.
- Wash all veggies.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them, asparagus, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the ginger.
- In a separate large pot, bring 9 cups of water to boil.
- Add sweet potatoes and chopped ginger. Lower to medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add asparagus and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
- Stir in 1 tbsp salt.
- Add the cooked dal and rice mixture into the vegetable pot. Mix gently.
- In a clean, dry saucepan, melt 4 tbsp ghee over medium-low heat.
- Add 3 tbsp Kitchari spice mix, stirring continuously.
- Shield the pan with a lid to prevent splatters.
- Stir until mustard seeds begin popping.
- Remove from heat and let cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Once cooled slightly, slowly pour the spiced ghee over the rice, lentil, and veggie mix.
- Stir gently to combine.