Food is as haute couture as fashion! And, there's always something new, sometimes trendy, out there. But, I really don't think the creation of a new rice or 'pearls', using vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, is anything that's short lived.
For sure, cauliflower rice is here to stay. And, the best way to get this delicious vegetable in the 'rice' like texture is to buy it. Yes, make it easy on yourself, and pick it up in the produce department. You'll be glad you did because it's got a lot of versatility from soups to salads and sides.
Now on to the 'kitchari' that you see in the name of this recipe. Well, this is a spice mixture that I picked up at my yoga studio, Yoga in Common. If you don't have kitchari, no problem, you can substitute something like a curry mixture, harissa, and herb/garlic, really whatever rocks your tastebuds.
Something About Kitchari
This information comes from the website, Banyan Botanicals:
Kitchari is basic to the Ayurvedic way of life. Composed of basmati rice and mung dal, it has as many variations as there are cooks who prepare it. A one-pot dish, kitchari originates on the Asian subcontinent and has references dating back thousands of years. The skillful use of spices and vegetables can produce balancing effects for the three bodily doshas. It has many qualities but being quick and easy to prepare makes it a popular dish for almost every lifestyle.
Basmati rice and mung dal together create a balanced food that is a good protein combination and is tridoshic. This complete food is easy to digest and gives strength and vitality. It nourishes all the tissues of the body. Kitchari is the preferred food to use when fasting on a mono-fast or while going through cleansing programs such as panchakarma. Kitchari is excellent for detoxification and de-aging of the cells.
Kitchari is made with mung beans, Basmati rice, seasonal vegetables, ghee and spices. The mung beans are known for their ability to remove toxins, specifically pesticides and insecticides, from the body. Mung beans are also a great source of protein and provide a source of good carbohydrates and fiber. It's also a great dish for those having digestive problems and recovering from illness. There's many versions of Kitchari out there from simple to more elaborate.
The word, Kitchari, means mixture, usually of two grains. This is one kitchari recipe that is particularly nourishing and easy to digest. Please note the options below for some alternatives and, after the recipe, read more about this ancient dish.
Kitchari is not only delicious, but it's one of the few foods that provides both nourishment for the body and benefits digestion due to its spice combination. This makes kitchari ideal during stress, illness, change of seasons, and it is the primary food during Ayurvedic internal cleansing.
So, there you have it, the low down on kitchari. It's worth trying, you just might feel a perk in your step! xoxo ~ally
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 3 Tbl. ghee (clarified butter)
- 16 oz. bag cauliflower crumbles, with carrots broccoli & onions
- 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp. coarse ground pepper
- 1 Tbl. kitchari spice mixture
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbl. sriracha
- 8 oz. mung bean sprouts, fresh
Instructions
