Kitchari: A Bowl of Balance and Healing

By Sneha Raichada

In the heart of Ayurveda, there lies a dish that has nourished bodies and soothed souls for centuries—Kitchari. This simple yet profoundly healing meal is a perfect example of food as medicine, offering warmth, grounding, and gentle detoxification. Whether you seek deep nourishment, digestive ease, or a moment of mindful eating, Kitchari is a bowl of comfort and balance.

Watch this episode from Ayurprana+ where Sneha Raichada, the Dean of Education at The Ayurvedic Institute and is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner walks us through a traditional and delicious Kitchari  recipe and how to modify this foundation based on your or your loved ones unique taste, needs and doshic constitutions. 

Prep time: 15-20 mins (longer if soaking)

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of organic white basmati rice or quinoa, optionally soaked 
• ¼ cup organic yellow mung beans, optionally soaked for at least one hour
• 1 tsp of ghee or oil of choice
• A pinch of asafoetida/hing
• ¼  tsp of turmeric
• ¼ tsp of mustard seed
• 2 curry leaves
• ¼ tsp of cumin seeds
• 1 clove
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon or a small stick
• ½ tsp of grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup of water (double for Vata)
• A pinch of chopped fresh cilantro to garnish

Preparation:

• Wash the soaked mung beans and grains thoroughly, using fingers to agitate the mixture, until the water is clear. 
• Rinse and strain the excess water off. 
• Add the ghee to a medium hot pan. 
• Add a pinch of hing, then the whole spices starting with mustard seeds. 
• Turn the heat down and then add the rest of the whole spices you are using per your dosha.
• Add the soaked mung and rice, adjusting the heat if needed. 
• Add 1 cup of water together with the powdered spices like turmeric.
• Leave to cook on medium heat for approximately 10-15 mins until the grains and beans start to break apart and are fully cooked. 
• Add salt to taste and serve topped with some chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Modifications:

• Add other spices to the ghee after the hing
• Add chopped vegetables to the pot together with the mung and rice

To watch the full episode, visit Ayurprana+, our streaming platform, where you can discover inspiring stories and timely practices. 

Enjoy, and don’t forget to tag us on social media SoHum Healing Resort to share your recipe with us.