Kitchari is a classic Auyrvedic dish that is used to restore digestive health and wellbeing. Teresa Cutter from The Healthy Chef shares her recipe below.
BENEFITS
Wellbeing
Detox
Healthy Digestion
Serves 4 – 6
Kitchari Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or ghee
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 stick celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated turmeric (½ teaspoon dry)
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 125 g (½ cup/4 oz) moong dhal, soaked overnight, drained
- 125 g (½ cup/4 oz) wholemeal basmati rice
- 2 L (8 cups/67½ fl oz) freshly boiled water
- sea salt to taste
- 2 generous tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes (optional but delicious)
- 60 ml (¼ cup/2 fl oz) coconut milk
- 2 spoonfulls green sauce (see inspiration section)
Method
- SAUTE onion, carrot, celery, turmeric ginger and garlic with the olive oil for 1 minute over a medium heat. Add the cumin, dhal, rice and water and stir through. Add a pinch of salt.
- SIMMER for 1 hour over a low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if required, the consistency should be a thin porridge.
- STIR THROUGH coconut milk and nutritional yeast and more salt if needed. Divide between serving bowls and enjoy.

INSPIRATION
To make green sauce, blend 1 bunch parsley, 1 bunch coriander, the juice from ½ lime, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic and 125 ml (½ cup/4 fl oz) olive oil. Serve a spoonful over kitchari with a dollop of coconut yoghurt or milk.
BENEFITS
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Plant Based
If you liked this Kitchari recipe, find more delicious creations here.