Kitcheree (Mung Beans & Rice)

Kitcheree is a popular dish for cleansing during the Summer and Winter Solstice and for giving the digestive system a reboot. According to Ayurveda, this dish is tri-doshic, meaning it is good for all doshas, or body types. The mung beans and basmati rice have the energetic qualities of being cooling and sweet and are nourishing for all tissues in the body. The mixture of the rice and dal gives you just the right amount of protein and is a great way to cleanse the body gently so you can stay satiated and become mindful of eating patterns or even emotional patterns.

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ cups water 
  • ½ cup whole mung beans 
  • ½ cup basmati rice 
  • 1 onion, chopped 
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 
  • ¼ cup finely minced ginger root 
  • 3 cups chopped vegetables 
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil 
  • ¾ tablespoon turmeric 
  • ¼ teaspoon dried crushed red chilés 
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 
  • ½ teaspoon coriander 
  • ½ teaspoon cumin 
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the mung beans and rice.
  2. Add the mung beans to boiling water and cook until they begin to split.
  3. Add the rice and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Now add the vegetables, and cook until soft.
  5. Heat the ghee or oil in a sauté pan. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until clear.
  6. Add the spices and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly. Add a little water if necessary.
  7. Add this to the cooked rice and beans.

 

Notes: You can substitute vegetables as you like, as well as use Bragg Liquid Aminos, tamari, or soy sauce instead of salt. Tastes great with yogurt!

In the springtime you can also do a cleanse of eating only kitcheree for 3-7 days to reset the digestive system. In addition to the kitcheree when cleansing, drink plenty of herbal tea in between meals. 

Kitcheree offers an opportunity for cells to detoxify and for the internal digestive fire, or “agni,” to be kindled. When agni is functioning well it helps cultivate our awareness surrounding the choices we make on a daily basis for our meals. 

Kitcheree makes a great nourishing meal during the winter, when you feel a cold coming on, or anytime you feel the need for a soothing and wholesome meal. The dish has a porridge-like consistency with a mild flavor, but dressed up with salt, lemon juice, and a little bit of ghee, is quite savory and tasty. 

 

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