Yellow Mung Dal Kitchari: The Golden Porridge

Dear Diary,

I cannot express the joy I feel to dedicate this very first page to Kitchari. I do have no doubt that this is the dish I want to kick start this blogging journey of sharing Ayurvedic recipes with the whole wide world. Truth is, in all honesty, without any excess drop of dramatic build-up.......Kitchari has changed my life. It has completely changed my perspective and understanding of food as medicine. The simplicity of ingredients, yet the complexity of the qualities and healing properties still amaze me today. I must admit, this is my favorite meal. This golden porridge is the definition of comfort food, a true friend to ease the belly and mind, a humble servant with little cost and a handful of ingredients that work hard for the dollar and the body, and a true hug in the bowl. My Ayurvedic cooking journey started with Kitchari, and since then I have never looked back. I only hope the others will love it just as much as I do, and it will become a staple in their homes as well.

Truly yours,

Gia

From the Ayurvedic Perspective

Kitchari has been the heart of the Ayurvedic diet for thousands of years. A spiced mix of rice and mung dal possesses sweet and cooling qualities with a sweet aftertaste. Such a combination is a complete protein with all of the essential acids to nourish all the tissues of the body. Since Kitchari is so easy to digest it is the best food for the weak in need of strength, it is also very commonly used for mono-meal cleanses. In India, Kitchari is also given to babies during the transition time between mothers' breast milk and first solid food. Last but not least, this Kitchari is tridoshic thus it will accommodate all of three constitutions in all four seasons.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient	Rasa (Taste)	Virya (Action)	Vipaka ( Digestive effect)	Dosha (Constitution)
Mung Dal	Sweet, Astringent	Cooling	Sweet	Vata Pitta Kapha
White Basmati Rice	Sweet	Cooling	Sweet	Vata Pitta Kapha
Ginger	Pungent	Heating	Sweet	Vata Pitta Kapha
Cumin Seeds	Pungent, Bitter	Cooling	Pungent	Vata Pitta Kapha
Black Mustard Seeds	Pungent	Heating	Pungent	Vata Kapha
Hing	Pungent	Heating	Pungent	Vata Kapha
Turmeric	Bitter, Pungent, Astringent	Heating	Pungent	Vata Pitta Kapha
Kombu	Salty, Bitter	Heating	Salty	Vata Pitta*Kapha*
Salt	Salty	Heating	sweet	Vata
Coconut Milk	Sweet	Cooling	Sweet	Vata Pitta
Ghee	Sweet	Cooling	Sweet	Vata Pitta Kapha*

Let's make Kitchari!

1. Soak mung dal with rice overnight or for at least 8 hours
2. Heat the pan on medium-low flame add ghee and wait a few minutes for the ghee to melt
3. Once the ghee has melted add cumin and mustard seeds along with a pinch of hing. Wait for the seeds to brown and crack
4. Once the seeds have released their aroma and are starting to crack, add freshly grated ginger and stir until it is golden brown
5. Drain the water from the rice and dal and add to the pan along with turmeric, stir until the water has evaporated and the mixture is a bit dry
6. Add water and bring to a boil
7. Once the water has boiled add a piece of Kombu if using, lower the flame, and simmer on low for 20 mins
8. After 20 mins most of the liquid should be absorbed, in this step add coconut milk and cover for another 10 minutes or so until the porridge has become creamy
9. Stir and add salt to taste

Tips & Tricks

• Feel free to add any vegetables of choice before step 5. I like to add seasonal vegetables to make the porridge more filling and flavourful
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• If you ever get bored of the yellow mung dal, you can substitute it with whole green mung beans! Use the exact same proportions and cooking methods. Whole mung bean is just as delicious and adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish
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• Try squizzing a fresh slice of lime on a served bowl, this will add a very subtle dash of sour flavor to the palate
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• To make this porridge more Pitta balancing try adding fresh grated coconut and chopped cilantro in the very last step
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• To make the porridge more Kapha balancing try adding more heating spices such as bay leaf, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom
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• Freshly fried Chapatis complement Kitchari beautifully, making this a truly nutrient-dense meal.