Top Five Kitchari Recipes

by: Anjali Sunita

Kitchari, a simple mixture of rice, lentil, vegetables, and spices has become all the rage as Ayurveda enters the consciousness of mainstream yoga practitioners. “Kitchari” just means mixture. Whether for the high protein and nutritional content, ease of digestion, better sleep, or to meet your mood or season, Kitchari is a delight that can be eaten for many reasons and tailored to your unique needs.

Here are a few of my favorites ways to mix it up:

Simple Kitchari:

I love this simple version found on www.realandvibrant.com . Without onions or vegetables, the rice, dal, and spices make an aromatic version for ease of digestion. This delightfully simple and nourishing dish, could be a mono-diet, used in Ayurvedic deep detox programs, yet as a complete protein, I would enjoy it on a regular day. For everyone out there who does a kitchari cleanse, remember to make it fresh daily. Ayurveda does not recommend leftovers and especially left over rice dishes, which are too dry and rough, especially for cleansing.

Seasonal Kitchari:

It’s easy to mix it up by changing out the vegetables or spices used by season. I love this version from my alma mater, gurukula, the Ayurvedic Institute, as suggestions are made for how to alter the dish by dosha. It says for Vāta and Kapha (associated with fall and spring seasons), add ginger powder and for Pitta (associated with summer heat) leave out the mustard seeds. It’s…