Kitchari

Kitchari means a mixture of Beans and Grains, usually Rice. Kitchari is nourishing and easy to digest and is therefore the best thing to use during any time of cleansing, according to Ayurveda.

There are many, many variations of Kitchari. The following uses Green Mung beans which are very effective in cleansing the body. They have even been used as an antidote to chemical poisons and pesticides etc. Therefore, the following especially good to detox the body in diseases like Rheumatism, chronic Liver or digestive diseases, as well as during Cancer treatment and after Chemotherapy.

It is light, easy to digest, nutritious with good levels of protein, and spices to promote and regulate digestion.

It can be had as a mono-diet for severals days or a week during a cleansing period. Or it can be had several times per week on an on-going basis.

Ingredients:

  Basmati Rice:  1 cup
  Mung beans (split yellow):  2 cups
  Water:  7 cups (approx.)
  Salt (Rock Salt is best):  a pinch
  Ghee (clarified butter):  2 tablespoons
  Mustard Seeds:  3 tsp.
  Cumin Seeds or Powder:  2 tsp.
  Turmeric Powder:  2 tsp.
  Coriander Powder:  2 tsp.
  Fennel Powder:  2 tsp.
  Asafoetida:  1 pinch (don’t worry if you don’t have it, it’s not essential)

Preparation:

Carefully pick over rice and Mung to remove any stones. Wash each very well separately in at least 2 changes of water.
Saute the seeds in the ghee until they pop. Then add the other spices. Add the Mung Beans and salt. Saute for another 1 or 2 minutes. Add boiling water, bring to boil, then simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until the dahl is about two-thirds cooked.

If you want to add Vegetables:
Take any vegetables that suit your constitution, and cut into smallish pieces. Add rice and these vegetables. Stir into the mix, adding extra water if required. Bring back to the boil, simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Aim to have minimal water remaining, leaving the lid on the pot to allow any excess to slowly be absorbed.
Alternatively, steamed or stir-fried vegetables can be added on top when serving.

Options

*  Vegetables such as Celery, Carrot, Zucchini, Asparagus, Sweet Potato etc.
*  For Wind or Phlegm/Damp conditions: add a pinch of ginger powder
*  For bodies with excess Heat: leave out the mustard seeds

Note

It may cause constipation in some people if used as a mono-diet over several days.

Patient Resources:

9 Rules for Health
Why Digestion Matters
Traditional Diagnosis
Traditional Treatment
Taking Herbs
Medicinal Effects of Foods
Recipes
Drinks