This Ayurvedic Kitchari is made with a mix of yellow split mung beans and basmati rice stewed together into a cozy dish. This recipe is meant to be easy to digest and is vegan and gluten-free.

two bowls of aryuvedic khichdi topped with cilantro

What is Kitchari?

Kitchari, also commonly known as Khichdi is an ayurvedic dish that is traditionally made with mung beans, rice and digestive spices. In Ayurvedic tradition, it’s considered to be a very healing and detoxifying dish.

While I was in Northern India studying yoga and Ayurveda, this was a dish that was commonly served on the ashram.

This recipe is inspired by the traditional recipe I ate while in India!

The benefits of eating kitchari/Khichdi

It may seem a bit odd that a “detox” recipe can be made of rice and beans, since we commonly associate the term with eating lots of greens, fruits and salads.

But this dish is actually considered a detoxifying and healing food for a few reasons:

  • Kitchari is made with split Mung beans, which are easy to digest (unlike some other types of beans)
  • Kitchari is a complete protein
  • Kitchari helps to improve your digestion and is made with specific digestive spices

Not to mention, it’s pretty darn tasty and filling too!

How to make this recipe

Before jumping into making the recipe, you’ll want to soak your split mung beans and rice in a bowl of water. This makes it easier to digest. Next, you can toast up the spices in a pot then add the beans and rice along with some water.

  • A white pot with split peas and rice in it
  • a measuring cup pouring water into a pot of peas and rice

Cover it and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. You should end up with a stew-like mixture that looks like this.

  • khichdi in a white pot
  • A bowl of Indian split mung beans and rice topped with cilantro

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  • Don’t skip out on soaking the split mung beans and rice for best results! This really helps to make these easier to digest.
  • Be careful not to toast your spices on too high heat, you don’t want them to burn-just to get lightly toasted and fragrant.
  • If your Kitchari is looking very thick, you can simply add more water and mix through.
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt at the end if needed.

Similar recipes to try

a close up of a bowl of aryuvedic khichdi

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a close up of a bowl of aryuvedic khichdi

Ayurvedic Kitchari

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  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This Ayurvedic Kitchari is easy to digest and perfect for a simple, healthy meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup split mung beans (called moong dal) 
  • 1/2 cup basmati rice
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (can sub ghee for traditional)
  • 1 1-inch cube ginger, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt sea salt 
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 bay leaf 
  • 4 1/2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Soak the split mung beans and basmati rice in a bowl of water for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse in a strainer until the water runs clear. (This helps make them easier to digest.) 
  2. Heat the coconut oil in a pot on medium heat, then add the ginger, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, pepper, salt, turmeric and bay leaf and gently toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant 
  3. Add the split mung beans, basmati rice and water to the pot and bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 25-35 minutes. (If the mixture soaks up all your water and you prefer a slight thinner texture, add a bit more) 

Notes

Don’t skip out on soaking the split mung beans and rice for best results! This really helps to make these easier to digest.

Be careful not to toast your spices on too high heat, you don’t want them to burn-just to get lightly toasted and fragrant.

If your Kitchari is looking very thick, you can simply add more water and mix through.

Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt at the end if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g