Kitchari is a rice-lentil porridge that follows Ayurvedic principles - an easy, healthy and convenient dish that comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners and make ahead!
1tablespoonoilvegetable oil or coconut oil preferred
1teaspoonmustard seedsoptional
1teaspooncumin seeds
1teaspoonground coriander
1inchginger piecegrated (1 teaspoon of ginger paste)
1teaspoonturmeric
1.5cupsmixed vegetablesI used beans, carrots, and peas
1cupmung dalor split mung beans
½cupricesee notes
1teaspoonsaltadjust to taste
5cupswatersee notes for adjustment
1tablespoonchopped cilantrofor garnish
Instructions
Rinse half a cup of rice and a cup of dal separately at least 2-3 times to get rid of dirt and excess starch.
Heat oil in a medium pot or deep skillet and add a teaspoon each of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and ground coriander and give it a quick stir. Then, add a teaspoon each of ginger and turmeric and sauté for a few seconds.
Add 1.5 cups of mixed vegetables of your choice and stir it together with the spices. Finally, add the the washed rice and dal along with 5 cups of water and a pinch of salt, and bring this to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for roughly 30 minutes. Check at 30 minutes to observe the consistency - you ideally want a porridge like texture.
Once the right consistency has been achieved, season with additional salt (as needed) and garish with cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Traditional Ayurvedic kitchari does not include aromatics like onion or garlic. If you want to add those to the dish, start by sautéing the aromatics first before adding the vegetables!
You can use any combination of vegetables or even leave them out if you desire. I use green beans, carrots, and peas since these are the ones my mother uses.
Note about the rice: traditional kitchari, or khichdi, tends to use non-polished rice (e.g. Sona Masoori). However, some of these rice varieties are harder to come by in the US, so basmati rice is a good substitute (though it does reduce the digestive benefits a bit since it's polished). You can also visit an Indian store to see if they have Sona Masoori.
Note on consistency: this recipe yields a traditional porridge like consistency. If you want it to be a bit more solid, I suggest reducing the water by half a cup. I don't recommend using the Instant Pot to make a kitchari if you prefer yours more solid!