B’s Kitchari

Kitchari is a delicious Ayurvedic healing dish that incorporates moong dal (split mung beans) and white basmati rice, whole spices and ground spices.  The warming spices used in Kitchari make it detoxifying and anti-inflammatory. It is easy to make, super healthy and hearty and helps in balancing all three doshas. I love it!

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

150g Basmati rice 

150g Moong Dal (don't get confused with Chana Dal or split yellow peas)

500ml Water

1 Large Onion, finely diced

2 Tbsp Ghee or Coconut Oil

1 Tsp Cumin Seeds

1 Tsp Fennel Seeds

1 Tsp Coriander Seeds

½ Tsp Cardamom Seeds - taken from the pod

1 Tsp Nigella Seeds (also known as black onion seeds, black cumin seeds & Kalonji

1” ginger root, chopped

1 Tsp Asafoetida (Hing)

1 Tsp Turmeric

Black Pepper

2 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds

1 400ml tin of Organic Coconut Milk (with no artificial ingredients)

1 Tbsp Coconut Aminos or Tamai

½ Tsp Sea Salt

2 Large Sweet Potatoes, chopped into small chunks

Fresh bunch of Coriander, finely chopped

½ Lemon & ½ Lime - squeezed

METHOD:

  1. Soak the Basmati Rice and Moong dal overnight (or a minimum of 2 hours), Drain and wash.

  2. Add Basmati Rice  & Moong Dal to a saucepan with the water, bring to simmering point, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

  3. Steam the sweet potato until cooked.

  4. While the rice and dal are cooking add the ghee or coconut oil to a pan, melt and add the onion, fry gently until soft.  

  5. Add the whole spices and saute until they pop then add the other spices.  Season with a few grinds of black pepper to enhance the absorption of the turmeric.  Stir together to release the flavours. 

  6. Add the ginger and stir gently for a few minutes.  

  7. Add the pumpkin seeds 

  8. Add the organic coconut milk and Tamari or coconut aminos, stir to mix in and simmer very gently for 10 minutes.  

  9. Once the rice and dal are cooked stir in the spice, onion and ginger mix.  

  10. Once the rice and dal are cooked, stir in the sweet potato, and the spices, onion and coconut milk etc and mix well.

  11. Add the lemon & lime  juice to taste

  12. Decorate with chopped coriander and serve