What Makes Kitchari Spice Mix So Delicious?

The Kitchari Spice Mix Blend

Kitchari Spice Mix is an organic blend of the six essential spices that anchor traditional Ayurvedic kitchen wisdom: turmeric, ginger, cumin, mustard seeds, fenugreek, asafoetida, plus natural mineral salt.

The inspiration behind Banyan Botanicals' Kitchari Spice Mix comes straight from the kitchens of families who have been making wholesome kitchari for generations, as well as from our well-respected Ayurvedic teachers. When using this traditional spice mix in recipes, you can be assured that you are using a spice mix that is time-tested and authentic.

Kitchari is a popular cleansing dish in Ayurveda. It is nourishing and building, yet cleansing at the same time. As such, it is both health-promoting and can be eaten regularly. For thorough instructions on how to make kitchari, take a look at our How to Make Kitchari article.

As it is, yellow mung dal and rice  are non-aggravating to any dosha and easy to digest. The dal also has a slight mucilage, which helps hydrate and nourish the entire digestive system. Couple this with Kitchari Spice Mix, and you get a meal that supports digestion and the digestive fire.

Most Indian kitchens keep a box of five to six essential spices that show up in almost every meal. Kitchari Spice Mix combines the essential spices so you can simply use a spoonful when cooking kitchari, making your life a whole lot easier. This spice mix is made with 99% organic, high-quality spices—and no anti-caking agents or fillers.

Kitchari Spice Mix Ingredients

Kitchari Spice Mix includes the following spices:

• Turmeric powder. Most Ayurvedic cooking includes turmeric. The benefits of turmeric are quite vast, ranging from supporting the immune system, cleansing the blood, and promoting clear and healthy skin.
• Mustard seeds. Mustard seeds have a heating quality that kindles your digestive fire (agni) and helps with occasional bloating and digestive discomfort. They are fantastic for kapha and vata body types, and in moderation they can benefit pitta as well.
• Cumin seeds. Cumin promotes digestion without being heating., and its taste in particular is said to awaken appetite. In fact, many people chew the whole seeds after meals for the taste and to support healthy digestion.
• Ginger powder. Ginger is known as the "universal medicine" for its broad range of health benefits. Ginger is warming, promotes digestion, helps remove ama, and supports healthy circulation.
• Asafoetida. Asafoetida is the primary herb for soothing vata within the digestive tract and helps with bloating and gas. Asafoetida is the key ingredient in hingvastak, which is our Vata Digest in tablet form.
• Fenugreek. Fenugreek, with its bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes, is a huge aid in digestion. A warming herb, it supports nutrient absorption.
• Mineral salt. Salt is well known for stimulating the appetite and enhancing the sense of taste. In Ayurveda, it is used to kindle the digestive fire. Natural mineral salt is an excellent choice because it is easy to digest.

4 Ways to Use Kitchari Spice Mix

Kitchari Spice Mix is your go-to for kitchari, but it works far beyond the kitchari bowl. This flavorful blend of fragrant organic spices is extremely versatile. Here are four of our favorite kitchari recipe alternatives that let you get creative with this spice mix for maximum flavor. There are sure to be many more.

However you choose to add Kitchari Spice Mix to your life, we hope you enjoy this tasty and traditional blend. May it add health and ease and inspiration for new creative kitchen endeavors.

Bon appetit!

Immune-Boosting Lentil Soup

Red lentils with Kitchari Spice Mix is a very easy alternative to kitchari while getting the benefit of this spice blend. Thanks to the turmeric and ginger in this blend, this recipe can add a healthy boost to the immune system. For a serving of 2–3, you will want:

• ½ cup red lentils
• 2–2½ cups water
• 1½ tablespoons Kitchari Spice Mix
• 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil

Wash and drain lentils. In a saucepan, melt the ghee or oil over low-medium heat. Stir in the Kitchari Spice Mix and heat until the seeds begin to pop. Add the drained dal and stir, coating the lentils in the spices. Add the water and cover. Simmer for 20–30 minutes or until the dal is soft to taste, stirring occasionally.

Serve with rice and seasonal veggies or eat alone for a simple but nutritious meal.

Kapha- and Vata-Friendly Popcorn

Popcorn can be a good snack choice for kapha because of its dry and light qualities. With a little extra ghee, a pinch of salt, and the warming herbs of Kitchari Spice Mix, popcorn also becomes a satisfying choice for vata. And, beyond bringing balance, it tastes great!

• ¼ cup whole popcorn kernels
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• ½ teaspoon Kitchari Spice Mix
• Pinch of mineral salt

Melt the ghee in a pot over medium-high heat (make sure the pot is large enough for the popcorn to expand!). Add the Kitchari Spice Mix and popcorn kernels, cover, and shake gently to coat. Don't walk away, this will happen quickly! Keeping the lid on, gently shake the pot every 15 seconds to prevent the kernels from burning.

Once there is a 2-second pause between each pop, turn off the heat and remove the lid. Add salt or additional ghee to taste.

Kale Chips

• 1 bunch of kale, purple or green depending on preference
• ¾ tablespoon olive oil
• ¾­–1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1­–1½ tablespoon Kitchari Spice Mix

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and completely dry kale by patting it dry with a towel. Remove stems and tear into chip-sized pieces.

Place kale in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Stir and "scrunch" the kale while you sprinkle it with Kitchari Spice Mix and nutritional yeast (be generous with the nutritional yeast).

Place kale on a baking sheet. Cook for 10–12 minutes. Keep your eye on it and check at least once, especially the first time you cook these to test how hot your oven is. These chips burn quickly! Stir midway through if kale edges start to brown. You will know it is ready when the kale is crispy but not brown.

Remove from oven and put kale chips into serving dish immediately so the kale doesn't continue to cook on the sheet.

Kale chips make a wonderful addition to other dishes and are delightful to eat on their own.

Veggies, Veggies, and More Veggies

There is no end to what can be done with Kitchari Spice Mix and veggies. Try it anywhere you might be inclined to just use salt and pepper. Coat a vegetable medley before roasting, or add it to a stir-fry. Or, add the spice mix to your ghee and cooking oil before sautéing. Try it in a veggie-packed egg scramble and enjoy the beautiful golden hue.

FAQs: Kitchari Spice Mix

What is Kitchari Spice Mix?

Kitchari Spice Mix is inspired by a traditional Ayurvedic spice blend that simplifies bringing big flavor to your bowl of kitchari, Ayurveda's popular cleansing dish. The blend includes turmeric, ginger, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, fenugreek, and natural mineral salt, the essential spices most Indian kitchens keep on hand. One spoonful seasons a full pot of mung dal and basmati rice with warming, balancing flavor.

Is Kitchari Spice Mix certified organic and gluten-free?

Yes. Kitchari Spice Mix is made with non-GMO organic spices and is gluten-free and free of anti-caking agents and fillers. Every batch of organic spices is sourced from trusted growers and tested for quality, so you can trust the ingredients going into your kitchari recipe.

Kitchari Spice Mix is a good fit for most dietary needs. If you are managing a specific medical condition or allergy, we recommend first checking with your healthcare practitioner.

What does Kitchari Spice Mix taste like?

Kitchari Spice Mix tastes warm, earthy, and lightly savory, not hot or spicy. Turmeric and cumin give it a grounded base, ginger and mustard seeds add warmth, and asafoetida and fenugreek round out the flavor with a savory, slightly pungent depth. It is a balanced, flavorful blend that enhances food without overwhelming it.

Because the spices are gently warming rather than sharp, Kitchari Spice Mix works well for most body types (vata, pitta, and kapha) in normal cooking amounts. Pitta individuals may want to use a slightly smaller pinch; kapha and vata types can be more generous.

How do I store Kitchari Spice Mix?

Store Kitchari Spice Mix in its original jar or in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Keeping the lid tightly closed protects the fresh spices from moisture and helps maintain the mix's full shelf life. Typical shelf life is about 2 years from the manufacture date when stored properly.

For maximum flavor, use the kitchari spice mix within the first year after opening. If the aroma starts to fade, that is a sign the spices are losing potency.

Can I use Kitchari Spice Mix if I am new to Ayurveda?

Absolutely. Kitchari Spice Mix is one of the easiest ways to start cooking with Ayurvedic principles at home, since it does the blending for you. You do not need a full spice cabinet, just this one jar, and your choice of dal, rice, and ghee. Kitchari Spice Mix is gentle enough to eat kitchari daily during a cleanse and flavorful enough to carry you through everyday meals.

If you are brand new to the tradition, start with our How to Make Kitchari guide. It walks through the basic kitchari recipe step by step, and once you are comfortable, you can use the Kitchari Spice Mix on soups, roasted vegetables, popcorn, and beyond.