Salt Spring Centre of Yoga News

Kitcheree – comfort food, Centre-style

Kitcharee is a favourite dish of guests and Karma Yogis alike. It’s a combination of mung beans, rice and spices that warms and nourishes. It is also easy to prepare and just plain delicious.

Ingredients:
SERVES 8-10

  • 6 Tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 Tbsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 3 Tbsp cumin
  • 1/2-1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1-2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped leeks
  • 1 cup split mung beans (uncooked)
  • 2 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
  • 8 cups water
  • 5 Tbsp ginger juice

Method:

  1. Heat the ghee in a soup pot. When it’s hot, add the mustard seeds. When they pop, add the other spices (except ginger) and the leeks.
  2. Stir the spices for a minute or two. Watch that they don’t burn.
  3. Add the rice and mung beans. Stir to coat them with the spices. Then add the water and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to simmer until the rice and mung beans are cooked (about half an hour).
  4. Add the ginger juice.

Variations:

  • You can add more water if you prefer your kitcheree soupier, and more ghee if you want it richer.
  • You can add vegetables like potatoes or squash to the pot for a heartier version.
  • You can add chopped fresh kale or chard near the end of the cooking time for some extra green goodness.
  • How do you like your kitcheree? Do you have a different version of this recipe? Do share in the comments!

Recipe reproduced from The Salt Spring Experience: Recipes for Body, Mind and Spirit.
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Photo by www.grantharder.com