The KITCHARI CLEANSE

Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish that can be enjoyed as a singular meal customized to a specific dosha with addition of spices and vegetables OR works as a effective digestive cleanse, offering a multitude of benefits for our body and mind.

In Ayurveda, proper digestion is the key to longevity and good health. Adversely, poor, sluggish, or too fast of digestion can be the root to many illnesses. Kitchari is easily digestible, easy to make and a nourishing cleanse to do whenever but especially after a time of heavy stress, ‘holiday’ eating, foggy mind, feeling blocked or just if you feel like you need a re-boot. Benefits of a kitchari cleanse are:

• Great reset for our stomach, liver, and other digestive organs

• Remove heaviness or congestion in the body

• Improve energy and vitality

• Stabilizes blood sugar levels

• Eliminate accumulated toxins from the mind and body tissues

• Provides mental clarity

• Support a healthy body weight or weight loss

• Strengthens digestive fire (AGNI)

How to do the cleanse

This cleanse can be done anywhere from 1, 3, 7 or 10 days in a row, with meals only consisting of the kitchari - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plenty of water should be consumed during this time (not ice cold though as that slows digestion) as well as CCF tea, which is a welcomed addition to strengthening the agni.

Key Ingredients

Split Mung Beans or Dal - improve over all inflammation in the body, balance healthy levels of cholesterol and gut bacteria while helping to remove pathogenic gut bacteria out of the system and great source of antioxidants. When mixed with White Basmati Rice it forms a perfect protein high in fiber to help extract AMA (toxins) from the intestinal walls and draw it out of the body. Great digestive Spices

The Traditional Recipe

1 Cup Basmati Rice

1 Cup Split Green Mung Beans (dry)

6-8 cups water

2tsp Ghee or sesame oil

Spices to taste -

1/2 to 1 tsp. corriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, Fresh ginger,

1/4-1/2 Black pepper, black mustard seeds, ground cardamom , clove, turmeric (do not add if on blood thinners)

1-2 bayleaf

1/2 tsp - 1 tsp Himalayan Salt (to taste)

*Can add cubed Sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, cashews for extra nourishment.

1. Soak rice and beans: In a medium bowl, combine the rice and beans. Pour enough water to cover the mixture and soak for 15-20 minutes. Using a fine-mesh strainer, drain and rinse the mixture until the water runs clear.

2. Warm the oil or ghee on medium-low heat in a large pot. Carefully add the coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cumin seeds and mustard seeds, let them cook for about a minute until the seeds start to brown and become fragrant. Add the ginger and rest of the spices.

3. Add the rice and dal mixture into the pot. Season with sea salt and add the 6 cups of water. (add extra water if adding additional suggested vegetables)

4. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn the heat down immediately to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 30-60 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft. Taste the kitchari to make sure the texture is soft.  If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer. Add in any chopped veggies desired the last ½ hour of cooking.

Turn off the heat and adjust the seasoning, if needed, and stir again. Serve or cool down completely and refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 days.

In conclusion….

Kitchari is safe for all people at all stages of life. If there are pre-existing medical conditions it is always a good idea to check with your health practitioner before doing any cleanse.

If you have never done a kitchari cleanse before I would recommend starting slow and do maybe 1-3 days. As with any cleanse, listen to your body and connect with it. Tune in to how it feels and how our mental state is. If you aren’t feeling right slowly ease off the cleanse. It may be as simple as making a few minor adjustments. If you are feeling energetic and clear, continue.

Knowing your constitution - dosha - can help in tailor your cleanse specifically to you. If unsure about any of this an Ayurvedic practitioner can help with this process. Please reach out or leave a message if there are any questions.

Here is to your Health and Happiness!