Turmeric Kitchari

Kitchari is a traditional cleansing Ayurvedic dish made with mung beans, rice and healing spices. It is simple, nourishing and easy for the body to digest! We serve this delicious dish at our cafe in Chelsea for lunch. This is a perfect meal for boosting your immunity while using up those store cupboard ingredients.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Serves: 6 – 8

Ingredients

125g brown basmati rice

250g split yellow mung beans

1 can coconut milk

1 courgette cubed

1 carrot sliced

1 pepper sliced

1 spring onion finely chopped

1tbsp coconut oil

2tsp coriander powder

2tsp cumin seeds

2tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp turmeric powder

1tsp ground ginger

1tsp asafoetida

Pinch salt

Garnish

Handful chopped coriander

Coconut yoghurt

Crispy shallots

Method

1. Grind seeds and spices in a pestle & mortar, set aside.

2. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or rice cooker over medium heat. Add the spring onions and saute for a few minutes.

3. Once the onions have softened, add in the vegetables.

4. Stir in the ground spices until the vegetables are coated and pour in coconut milk.

5. Fill the pot with water, add the rice and split mung beans.

6. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

7. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy. Add more water if necessary.

8. Serve the kitchari in bowls, with a dollop coconut yoghurt, crispy shallots and coriander.