Featured Ayurvedic Recipe: Kitchari Spice Blend
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What is Kitchari?
Kitchari is an Ayurvedic stew comprised of basmati rice and split mung dal. It is a staple of the Ayurvedic diet and is eaten during a mono-diet fast. Mono-diet fasts are a type of Ayurvedic fast where kitchari is the only thing consumed besides water and herbal tea. Fasting can help ignite the digestive fire or agni. It can also help to rid the body/mind of toxins or ama. Fasting is contraindicated for anyone who is sick, pregnant, menstruating or bleeding and fasting should be avoided by children and the elderly. Kitchari is also the main meal in panchakarma or the Ayurvedic cleansing therapy because it is easy to digest and helps to reset the digestive fire.
The main staples of kitchari, basmati rice and split mung dal, are both sattvic or balancing foods as well as being tridoshic or balancing for all dosha. They have a sweet rasa or taste, a cooling virya or energetics, and a sweet vipaka or post-digestive effect. When they are combined together, they create a complete meal and a complete protein. Kitchari also includes ghee or oil, a digestive spice blend and vegetables.
Kitchari Spice Blend
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Directions:
1. Take all seeds and dry roast in a pan until fragrant.
2. Crush seeds in mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder.
3. Add crushed seeds to powder spices and mix well.
4. Store in a spice jar.
