Kitchari: Ayurveda’s Food as Medicine

Kitchari is one of Ayurveda’s most beloved healing foods. It gently kindles agni (digestive fire), boosts immunity, and clears the mind. Comforting without heaviness, nourishing without depletion, and simple while still deeply wholesome—kitchari allows the body to reset, recover, and find balance naturally.

This one-pot dish has been used for centuries as both everyday nourishment and as a cleansing food during seasonal transitions, times of illness, or whenever the body calls for rest and renewal.

Simple Kitchari Recipe

Ingredients (serves 1–2):

• 1 ¼ cups water

• ¼ cup brown rice

• ¼ cup split yellow mung dal

• 1 tbsp plain ghee

• ½ tsp fresh ginger root, peeled + diced

• ⅛ tsp fresh turmeric root, peeled + diced

• ⅛ tsp spice blend (use the spice blend paired with your veggies for the day)

• ¼ tsp salt

• Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice and mung dal well.

2. In a small pot, melt ghee and sauté ginger, turmeric, and spice blend until fragrant.

3. Add rice and mung dal, stirring to coat with the spices.

4. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until soft (about 30–40 minutes).

5. Serve warm, finished with a squeeze of lemon or lime and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

✨ Enjoy this dish as a simple daily meal, or as a gentle reset when your digestion, energy, or spirit needs extra care.