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–+ servings
A Hug in a Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Kitchari – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

A Hug in a Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Kitchari

A comforting and nourishing Ayurvedic kitchari with tender cauliflower florets. This one-pot wonder is a simple blend of mung beans and rice, celebrated for its ability to restore and balance the body, making it a perfect detoxifying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 256

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbs / 30 ml (1 fl oz) ghee, divided
  • 1.5 tsp (7.5 ml) ghee, divided
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.1 fl oz) minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds
  • 2 cups (200 g / 7.1 oz) cauliflower florets
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) basmati rice, rinsed
  • ⅓ cup (65 g / 2.29 oz) split mung beans (moong dal), rinsed
  • ¾ tsp (3.75 ml / 0.1 fl oz) ground turmeric
  • 3½ cups / 830 ml (28.1 fl oz) water
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.65 oz) frozen baby peas, defrosted
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, or to taste
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Kitchari
  • For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or another high-heat neutral oil.
  • Soaking the mung beans and rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking can aid digestion and slightly reduce the cooking time.
  • Feel free to customize your kitchari with other easily digestible vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potato. Add them along with the cauliflower.

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 Tbs. of ghee over medium-high heat.
  2. Once shimmering, add the minced ginger and cumin seeds and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets and stir-fry for 4 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice and mung beans, toasting them for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in 3½ cups of water, add the turmeric, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 40 minutes.
  7. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Stir in the defrosted peas and salt.
  9. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice and beans have reached a soft, porridge-like consistency.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1½ tsp. of ghee just before serving for a final touch of richness.
  11. Adjust the final consistency to your liking. For a soupier kitchari, add an extra ½ to 1 cup (240 ml) of water during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 7gFat: 9g

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