Kitchari
Main Dish • Indian, Vegetarian
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Already have Recipe Keeper?
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Canola Oil or ghee
- 3 tsp mustard seeds
- 2 tsp cumin seeds or powder
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 cloves minced garlic added with water
- 2 cups yellow split peas
- Pinch of salt
- 7 cups water
- 1 cup brown basmati rice
Directions
- 1. Saute the mustard seeds in the oil or ghee until they pop. Then, add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, fennel seeds and asafetida (we use garlic instead, add that with the water). Cook for one minute.
- 2. Add the split peas and salt. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add water and garlic, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until the dal is about 2/3 cooked.
- 3. Prepare any vegetables you'd like to add. Add rice and these vegetables.
- 4. Stir to mix, adding extra water if required. Bring back to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and the water is completely absorbed.
Notes
- Kitchari is the food Indian mothers give to children who are feeling poorly. It is the perfect dish to have on hand for day when you might feel tired, slightly queasy, or low on energy. It is relatively simple to make, easy to digest, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Make a big bat h of kitchari to freeze in portions for when you need it. Eat it as is, or spruced up with other vegetable, such as sauted kale or spinach.
