Kitchari
Perhaps the one meal quintessential to the Ayurvedic kitchen is Ayurvedic kitchari, also known as kitchadi. It is part of a sattvic (balancing) diet and the main staple in a kitchari cleanse. Kitchari is a kind of soup made with legumes and rice, and often with seasonal vegetables. It is also one of the main staples in Indian cooking. Why kitchari? Lentils and rice, or dal and rice, together are considered a complete protein. Paired, they are also high in fiber and help to promote stable blood sugar levels. Kitchari is easily digested which is why it is a vital component to an Ayurvedic cleanse. Kitchari is traditionally made with split, yellow mung beans but can be made with the legume of your choice. Red lentils cook up quickly and make a tasty option to mung dal. And our Kitchari Spice Mix makes the whole process especially easy!
Benefits of Kitchari
Kitchari is recommended for an Ayurvedic cleanse precisely because of its digestibility and nourishing qualities. When we minimize the variety and complexity of foods we put into our system, the body has the opportunity to rest and repair itself. With kitchari, we are not depriving our body of any vital nutrients, which some more drastic cleanses can do, but rather, we continue to “stoke the fire” of our digestion, so to speak. By stoking this fire, also referred to as agni, accumulated toxins and impurities are then drawn into the circulation and eliminated. Just as our minds need a break from the onslaught of information we are accustomed to, so do our bodies. A kitchari cleanse does just this, encouraging the body to employ its natural ability to heal and restore. In addition to kitchari supplies, Banyan offers a complete line of products to support your Ayurvedic cleanse or detox.
How to Make Kitchari
For complete directions on how to make this Ayurvedic staple food, we suggest following our simple kitchari recipe and tutorial.
Banyan also offers kitchari recipes for every dosha!
