Spring Kitchari Recipe

The Ayurveda Experience March 22, 2013

Kitchari or Khichdi is a delicious, soup-like meal that’s both nourishing to the body and easy on the digestive system. A vegetarian ‘chicken soup’, if you will. This particular recipe is a perfect spring kitchari.

This recipe is well-spiced and light. Once mastered, Khichri takes about twelve minutes of prep time, and 30 minutes of cooking time.

Spring Kitchari Ingredients (Khichdi Ingredients)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 2-inch piece of ginger root, sliced
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 cups split yellow moong daal, soaked overnight in water
• 2 cups greens of your choice (kale, dandelion, spinach)
• 1 cup additional vegetables – we’ve used celery root (great for Vata dominant prakriti!) and burdock root (great for Pitta dominant prakriti)

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded coconut, lime wedges, fennel powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper

Method Of Preparation

In a large pot, warm the oil or ghee on medium heat. Add the cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, the ginger root, and turmeric powder, and saute for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn the spices.

Rinse and strain the soaked moong daal and add to the pot. Stir to coat the dahl with the spices. Add 3 cups of water, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Then add the vegetables and cook another ten minutes. Your kitchari is ready.

Makes 4 servings.

Serve hot, with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!