NOURISHING MUNG BEAN KITCHARI

The Ayurvedic equivalence of healing Chicken soup, Kitchari is the first meal an infant is introduced to, what you eat when you are ill + also the complete meal fed to the elderly. It’s basically a hug in a bowl traditionally consisting of mung beans, basmati rice + digestive spices makes it the perfect nourishing + balancing meal for all.

The main purpose of a Kitchari is it’s cleansing benefits. The most effective benefits come from consuming the same meal a few days consecutive for lunch + dinner. Because of it’s extremely easy digestibility, you will find increased energy, mental clarity, less fluid held in the body, toxin release + just simply a delight to the mind, body + spirit. It’s a full body cleanse, without your body being starved of hunger + feeling like your going to fall over as I felt on a juice fast.

INGREDIENTS PASTE:

1/2 cup fresh Coriander 1/3 cup desiccated coconut

3/4 inch Fresh ginger

DRY:

1 cup Basmati Rice

1/2 cup Mung dahl (yellow split or whole green pre soaked)

SPICE:

1 tsp salt

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Cumin ground or seeds

2 tbs Coconut oil or Ghee

6 cups water

METHOD

Soak the mung dal for a few hours (whole green overnight) if you have the time, then drain. Wash the mung dahl and rice separately.

PASTE: Pop fresh ginger, coconut, coriander + 1/2 cup water into a food processor + blend until liquefied. Or you can grate the ginger + finely chop the coriander if need be.

Heat the oil on medium in a large saucepan + add the blended items, cumin, turmeric + salt. Stir well + bring to a boil to release the flavour.

Next mix in the rice, mung dal + the six cups of water. Return to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for five minutes. Then cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar.

Turn down the heat to simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the dal + rice are tender.

If desired, add chopped mixed vegetables in the last 10-15 minutes depending on the veggie + how well cooked you prefer them!

I love to top with coconut yoghurt, coconut flakes + more fresh coriander! Enjoy making + eating this delicious healing nourishing dish.