Ayurvedic super meal Khichari
Khichari is one of the most healing meals considered in Ayurveda.
It balances all three doshas and is a perfect meal to strengthen Agni(digestive fire). It is nourishing to tissues and easy to digest and amazingly satisfying.
I prefer making Khichari anytime. A wholesome meal to take on the go in hot flasks for lunch or dinner or both. Whenever I want to have a light meal in the evening or when I am not feeling very well and needs something warm, nutritious and restorative.
When you come home late from work and want to have a complete wholesome meal without wasting time in thinking, Khichari is one of the best options.
Khichari can be prepared in different ways. We can use green split moong or hulled moong dal with basmati rice or brown rice. Seasonal vegetables and spices should be used according to our body type (constitution).
As a part of panchakarma a diet-simple version of khichari (without herbs & vegetables) recommended. This recipe is used in an ayurvedic cleansing therapy as it is easy to digest and helps assimilation
Vegetable Khichari
Ingredients:
1 cup split green moong dahl
1 cup Basmati rice
Rinse well. Sock 30-45 mins in water, can reduce cooking time.
Water- 4-5 cups water
Ghee-2-3 tbs
Whole spices - 1 tsp fenugreek seeds, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp Ginger- garlic, bay leaf 1, cinnamon bark 1, 5-6 curry leaves, 1/2 tsp asafoetida and a handful of peanuts
Seasonal vegetables - 2-3 cup-e.g - (Diced in small size) peas, carrot, french beans, cabbage, sweet potatoes.
spinach and cilantro
Herbs- Turmeric, cumin, coriander, & salt/rock salt to taste
Method
- Heat ghee in a heavy bottom saucepan on low-medium heat until melted then add whole spices. Stir for 1 minute until aromas release.
- Add chopped vegetables except for spinach and cilantro. Stir again for 1 minute
- Add Herbs and salt to taste.
- Add soaked rice and dal and water bring it to boil on high flame for 5 minutes then reduce heat to low flame cover and let it cook for 30 -40 minutes. 1-2 time stir gently to make sure it doesn't stick at the bottom.
When its almost cooked add spinach and give a final stir and leave for 2-5 minutes. The final consistency should be thick like porridge.
Add coriander and serve Hot or take it to work in Thermos.