As a recipe developer, I'm often asked about my favorite dishes. While I have some standout selections that I frequently enjoy, my go-to meal remains a simple, comforting kitchari that I whip up almost every week.

It's interesting how a dish that was my mother's quick fix has become my cherished meal. Whether it's a chilly evening or I'm feeling under the weather, kitchari is my reliable choice. With just two main ingredients and a few spices, you can create a dish in just thirty minutes that you'll want to make again and again.

What Exactly is Kitchari?

Kitchari is essentially a warm hug in a bowl.

This dish combines lentils—typically split mung beans—and rice, all cooked with flavorful spices and ghee. Rooted in Ayurveda, there are many guidelines about how to enjoy kitchari. Growing up, my mom often made a big pot for dinner, and it came together effortlessly with just lentils, rice, and spices. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Aside from its numerous health benefits, I appreciate that kitchari is a one-pot meal. I prefer to make it in my instant pot, but it can also be cooked on the stove. As we move into fall and the colder months, this warming recipe is particularly appealing.

Benefits of Kitchari

With its Ayurvedic heritage, kitchari is often associated with detoxification. While I didn't grow up focusing on these aspects, I enjoy it simply because it tastes great! Here's why kitchari is a fantastic meal for nourishing your body:

  1. Gentle on the Digestive System. When feeling unwell, my mom would always serve her kitchari. It's warming, packed with anti-inflammatory spices, and easy on the stomach—perfect for those tough days. Adding extra ghee can further aid digestion.
  2. Detoxifying Properties. For more insights on this, check out one of my favorite Ayurveda resources. The ingredients in kitchari are excellent for detoxifying our bodies.
  3. The Ideal Protein Source. Kitchari is known for containing all nine essential amino acids. Its nutrient-dense and easy-to-digest fiber make it not just simple to prepare, but also a healthy meal.

Serving Suggestions for Kitchari

I love adding a generous dollop of yogurt to my kitchari, which makes it creamy and tangy (plus, extra ghee on top is a must!). My mom sometimes includes veggies like peas or potatoes for added texture, and leafy greens can also be a great addition. I've even seen people incorporate shredded zucchini!

If I want a side, I'll pair kitchari with a kachumber salad and finish it off with spicy ghee and blistered dried chilis. More often, I opt for it as a breakfast alternative to oatmeal or enjoy a bowl solo for dinner.

Don't be daunted by the list of spices I love using. They're all optional! If you want to tailor the recipe to your Ayurvedic dosha, consider taking a dosha quiz to refine the spice selection. I stick with my favorite blend simply because it tastes fantastic. Ultimately, I make kitchari because I genuinely enjoy it, and I hope you'll discover your own perfect version.

This recipe has been updated since its original posting.

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Description

This simple kitchari recipe is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup split mung beans
  • 1/2 cup basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  • big pinch of hing
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ajwain seeds
  • 4 1/4 cups water

Instructions

  1. Rinse the mung beans and rice to eliminate excess starch. Set aside.
  2. In the instant pot set to sauté mode, melt the ghee. Add the spices and sauté until fragrant. Combine the rinsed rice and lentils, stirring to toast for one minute, then turn off sauté mode. Pour in the water and stir.
  3. Seal the instant pot lid and set to high-pressure cook for 8 minutes. Release pressure according to your device's instructions.
  4. Serve warm with melted ghee and your favorite toppings.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10-40

Comments (7)

  1. Mariya aka BrunetteonDemand says: January 9, 2018 at 6:26 am

    Yummy!

    X MARIYA
    http://WWW.BRUNETTEONDEMAND.COM

    Reply
  2. Eva says: January 10, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    This looks so delicious! Sounds good with yogurt too. I agree with you about cozy food at this time of year!

    http://www.shessobright.com

    Reply
  3. Kim says: January 17, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    Thank you! Just what I needed. I found it while searching.
    Thanks for making it easy! : )
    Kim

    Reply
  4. Ruth Bloomfield says: August 29, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    This looks great! What if I don't have an instant pot?

    Reply
    1. Suruchi Avasthi says: August 30, 2022 at 11:55 am

      Hey Ruth – you can easily make kitchari on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps: heat ghee, add spices to toast, then mix in the rinsed rice and lentils. Pour in the water and simmer covered. You might need to add more water as it cooks to prevent it from drying out. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes for the lentils to break down and the rice to cook through, but it's just as tasty!

      Reply
  5. Stephanie says: November 30, 2023 at 11:13 am

    Hello! Where's the recipe? It's one of my favorites and seems to have disappeared!

    Reply
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