Quinoa Kitchari

By , August 1, 2020

‘You are what you digest’

Kitchari is easy on your digestion. Giving your digestion a much needed break, helps you absorb the nutrients in the food at a higher rate and so boosts your body function and immune system.

Quinoa Kitchari is a revelation. You get a complete protein from the Quinoa, with added lentils and energizing spices.

This version is tasty, vibrant and satisfying. It keeps you full all day due to the low GI and protein.

For this Kitchari I added an energizing spice mix, which is great if you are feeling fatigued or are just in need of a pick me up. All the spices are great for your digestive fire and immune system. If you don’t have all the spices, that is fine, just double the quantities of the ones you have. I toasted and then ground my spices, as it makes my kitchen smell of my grandma’s kitchen, with the added benefits of retaining more of the nutrients and capturing more of the natural oils. 

Ingredients

Kitchari

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • ½ cup Split moong dal (Mung Bean, Moong is the Sanskrit word)
  • ½ tsp. Cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste (At least 1 tsp.)
  • 2 tbsp. Ghee or oil
  • 1 tbsp. Energy spice mix*
  • ¼ cup Coriander leaves – add at the end

For the energy spice mix grind the below;

  • 1 whole clove
  • 1 tsp. toasted fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tbsp. toasted coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp. toasted cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp. toasted mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ground pepper
  • ½ tsp. Hing

Method

  • Soak the rice and lentils together for at least 1 hour (I like to do it overnight). Rinse until the water goes clear.
  • Bring the lentils and rice to the boil with 6 cups of water, skim the white foam off the top
  • Leave to simmer, c. 30 minutes. We are looking for a porridge consistency with Kitchari to be easier on your digestive system, so a little overcooked versus the normal quinoa preparation.
  • Add salt 
  • Heat oil/ghee in a separate pan and add one tablespoon of the energy spice mix
  • Mix into the porridge, cook for a few more minutes
  • Add fresh coriander and serve hot

*Whilst quinoa is good for every constitution. The energy spice mix is best for Kapha and Vata constitutions. It is okay in moderation for pitta if not imbalanced and/or in winter when Pitta may need a little heating. If you prefer, for Pitta try a cooling mix of cumin, coriander and fennel with a pinch of fenugreek for lipid control.