Ayurvedic Cleansing Green Kitchari Bowl
Ayurveda kitchari, a traditional healing and nourishing recipe with lentils, rice, vegetables and anti-inflammatory spices.
This version of the classic is prepared with red lentils simmered with fresh ginger, turmeric, spices, long grain rice, shredded zucchini, cauliflower and spinach. Top with fresh cilantro, for a healthy and hearty meal that is easy to heat up during the week.
This recipe can be prepared Vegan, Vegetarian and Plant Based, or with chicken bone broth. This kitchari recipe is Gluten Free, Whole 30 and is great for those with a whole foods, health supportive lifestyle.
WHAT IS AYURVEDA KITCHARI
Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system with origins in India. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is 5,000 years old. It is the belief that disease only occurs in the body when it is out of balance and in dis-ease.
The food, drinks and herbs used in the practice of Ayurveda is all about creating balance in the body.
KITCHARI CLEANSE
The kitchari cleanse is an Ayurvedic practice of cleansing when the seasons change. When you eat kitchari for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with broths, it allows your body to detox, cleanse, and prepare for the change in season.
A kitchari cleanse is often done for three days and includes incorporating meditation, yoga, massage, walks, and gentle lifestyle changes to help the body cleanse.
KITCHARI RECIPE WITH RED LENTILS
This kitchari recipe uses red lentils. Red lentils cook quickly, so this dish is ready in less then 30 minutes.
You can swap red lentils for yellow lentils or green lentils. If so, you may need 1 or 2 more cups of water or broth. The dish may need to simmer for an additional 10 minutes as well.
CHEF TIPS
- Feel free to use any vegetables you like. Carrots, broccoli, chard, and kale all work well in this recipe.
- For additional digestive support, soak the rice in water overnight. Drain it and rinse well before using in this dish. Rice can be soaked for up to 24 hours.
- You may swap white rice for brown rice.
- You may use water, vegetable broth or chicken bone broth for this recipe. What is most important is the quality. Be sure to use filtered water, fresh broth (not pasteurized and from a box). If you don’t have homemade broth buy an organic version in the freezer section of your health food store.
IF YOU LIKE THIS AYURVEDA RECIPE, TRY THE FOLLOWING
- Ayurvedic Morning Liver Cleanse Drink
- Kitchari with Mung Beans in the Starseed Kitchen E-Cookbook
- High Vibration Sun Tea
Ayurvedic Cleansing Green Kitchari Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Traditional ayurveda kitchari, a healing, detoxing and nourishing recipe with lentils, rice, vegetables, anti-inflammatory spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic red lentils
- 1/2 cup organic white rice (long grain preferred)
- 3 Tbsp ghee of coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp minced or grated ginger
- 2 t ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground corriander
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp fenugreek
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 6 cups vegetable stock, chicken bone broth or water
- 1–2 zucchini, shredded
- 1 small cauliflower, rough chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- Radish for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, melt the ghee of coconut oil on low heat. Add the ginger for 30 seconds and let activate. Add all the spices and stir into the oil.
- Add the rinsed lentils and rice, stirring to mix with the spices. Add broth. Bring to a boil, down to a simmer, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add cauliflower and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini and spinach, stir to combine. Serve with fresh cilantro. Enjoy.
Notes
Measure out all your spices and add to a small bowl. Then add them all to the warm pot with coconut oil and ginger. It will make the cooking process easier.
You can make this recipe with yellow lentils as well. They take an additional 10 minutes to cook.
Swap vegetables to what you have available organically and seasonally.
This dish is easy to reheat on the stove. Add to a small pot with a little water. Simmer, stirring frequently, till warm.
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