Kitchari, also called Khichdi, is a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with a mixture of yellow split mung beans, Basmati rice, and spices. This authentic recipe is easy to make and the same one I grew up eating in my mother’s kitchen.
What is kitchari?
Kitchari is a porridge-like mixture of Basmati rice and yellow moong dal (split mung beans) simmered in spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, ginger, and black pepper.
It’s one of the most basic staples in Ayurveda and has a texture similar to oatmeal. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, however, it’s most often enjoyed for lunch or dinner as a main dish.
What you’ll need
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Basmati rice: Traditionally made with Basmati rice, but you can substitute with jasmine, brown rice, or quinoa.
Split mung beans: Also known as moong dal or washed mung dal. It can be a little challenging to find but available on Amazon. While other types of beans or lentils can be used, I recommend using split mung beans for best results.
Water: Substitute with vegetable broth for added flavor.
Spices: A mixture of cumin seeds, fresh or ground ginger, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cumin seeds can be substituted with ground cumin.
Ghee or oil: Ghee is not vegan as it’s made from clarified butter. Use vegan butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil for a vegan-friendly option.
How to make kitchari
Detailed ingredient measurements, instructions, and notes can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is a summary:
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 oil and spices: Next, add oil to a medium pot on medium-low heat. Once the oil starts to warm up,
3. Add remaining ingredients: Add the rice and moong dal mixture. Pour the water, season with salt and pepper, and stir.
4. Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a slight boil. Immediately turn the heat down medium-low to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy.
5. Season: Adjust the seasoning, if needed, and taste to make sure the mixture is cooked through. If not, cook for longer. Feel free to add a few tablespoons of water if it starts to get very thick.
6. Garnish and serve: The kitchari is ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately or cool down to store for later.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy the final dish in the following ways:
- Alone or with a drizzle of ghee.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy with a tomato and onion salad.
- Serve with homemade no knead bread.
Storing and reheating kitchari
To store: Allow it to cool down completely before placing it in an air-tight glass container for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw before reheating it.
To reheat: Warm up on the stovetop. Stir it with a small amount of water, about 1/4 cup of water for every cup of kitchari, to get the porridge-like consistency.
More easy Indian recipes
- Coconut Chickpea Curry
- Cauliflower Tikka Masala
- Chana Masala
- Indian Rice Pudding
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Sign up for my email updates to get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on March 13, 2017. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures and more details to help you make the recipe.
Ingredients
Kitchari
- 1/2 cup moong dal, split mung beans
- 1/2 cup Basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ghee, coconut oil or avocado oil for vegan-friendly
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, or a pinch of ground ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- slices of lime or lemon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the rice and moong dal. Pour enough water to cover the mixture and soak for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour the mixture into a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water until it runs clear.
- Warm the oil or ghee on medium-low heat in a medium pot. Carefully add the cumin seeds and let them cook for about a minute until the seeds start to brown and become fragrant. Add the ginger and ground turmeric.
- Add the rice and dal mixture into the pot. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Stir and add the 4 cups of water.
- 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 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy.
- Taste the kitchari to make sure the texture is soft. If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer. 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.
Notes
- Split mung beans: Also known as moong dal, these beans can be challenging to find in most grocery stores. I buy organic moong dal from Amazon here.
- To store: Allow it to cool down completely before placing it in an air-tight glass container for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw before reheating it.
- To reheat: Warm on the stovetop. Stir it with a small amount of water, about 1/4 cup of water for every cup of kitchari, to get the porridge-like consistency.
Samira says
So creamy and delicious! Thanks for the video.
Elizabeth says
This was my first time making kitchari because I’ve been learning more about Ayurvedha and it turned out simply delicious. The recipe was so helpful and the taste of the toasted cumin seed really makes a difference.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Elizabeth — thank you for your feedback.
Chitra Sagar says
So tasty and warming. The video helped!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Chitra! So happy to hear.
Krissy Allori says
This looks so yummy and packed with flavor. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Carrie Robinson says
This sounds so flavorful! My kind of comfort food. 🙂
Sharon says
This would be a wonderful side dish. It would also be lovely on its own with a side salad too.
Amelia says
I am always looking to try new recipes! This looks great, thank you for sharing!
Taylor Kiser says
This looks so delicious! I love that it can be enjoyed any time of the day!
Lisa says
This was so good!
Jeannette says
This sounds AMAZING! I just love authentic recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Neli Howard says
Ooh, I want to try this so badly! I have never liked kitchari much, but I love your recipes so much, I would try your version!! THANK YOU!
Katie says
So soothing and delicious! We loved it.
stephanie says
I’ve never tried Kitchari can’t wait to make this recipe.
Irina says
Love to learn new recipes! I was really enjoying reading about something new for me – kitchari. I should definitely give it a try! It is a great breakfast option.
Maya says
Delicious and so easy to make! My family loved it.
lucy gubernat says
Very tasty! Very easy!
Anya Patel says
So good! My kids loved it too.
Ray says
I’ve made this recipe countless times over the past year. It’s the best kitchari I’ve ever had and reminds me of my time in India.
Chandani says
Made this for my family last night and it turned out perfect. Thanks for the step by step instructions.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Chandani – thank you for sharing your feedback.
Neha says
Made this for dinner tonight. It was just like home. Thank you!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for sharing, Neha.
Barbara says
I’ve made this recipe so many times now and it always turns out perfect. Thank you!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Barbara! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Anita says
This was a really nice breakfast option for us. It’s easy to prepare, and the hot porridge is just perfect for winter. 🙂
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Anita!
Irina says
I have never heard about Kitchari. This word and the meal are new to me, but it is worth trying:) Everything you make is DELICIOUS!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Ah thank you, Irina!
Justine Howell says
Hard to find a good one for this! Loved the ease of it, was a hit.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad to hear, Justine! Thank you for sharing.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
This looks like such a delicious dish. I’ll definitely have to give this a try!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Bintu! hope you enjoyed it!
Denay DeGuzman says
I just made this recipe and it is delicious! Warm, comforting, and tasty, it was the perfect meal for this cold-weather day.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Denay – glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing.
Sam says
I made this last night and followed your recipe step by step – it turned out perfect!!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad you enjoyed it, Sam! Thanks for sharing.
josie says
I followed this to the letter and it was spectacular! It is now officially, a staple in our home. Incredibly nourishing, comforting, and delicious. Thank you so much! I am inspired by the roasting of the cumin seeds because the flavor and scent are completely different from dried, bottled seasoning. I want to learn how to use other seeds, too, in this way. I hope you can add more recipes like this.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Hi Josie, that makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe — it’s exactly how I grew up eating it. And cooking the cumin seeds really does make a difference. I will be adding more Indian recipes using cumin in the future. Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback!
Allison W. says
I made this for my family last night and it turned out so perfect and just like I remember eating it when I visited India years ago. Thank you for sharing an authentic recipe!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad you and your family enjoyed it, Allison!
Michelle says
So warm and comforting. I love turmeric.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Michelle!
Beth says
What an easy and flavorful dish! I love that the colors fit right into a Fall dinner party!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Beth! Thanks for stopping by!
Calleigh says
I love Indian food and one of my fave is Biryani – I would love to try this Kitchari as the ingredients make it look so flavorful.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Ah, that’s a delicious dish. I hope you enjoy this kitchari!
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
This looks so warm and comforting and yummy! Love all of your step-by-step photos and instructions!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad you enjoyed it, Marlynn!
Danielle says
I am certain I haven’t made kitchari before, and that means only one thing – I HAVE to make it over the coming holidays – it is simple, I am sure it is full of flavor and is just what I need!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I think you’ll love it, Danielle!
Amy says
What instruction can you give me to make it in my instant pot instead of stove top?
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I haven’t tried making it in the Instant Pot yet, but will add that to my list to try out. Thanks!
Sara Welch says
What a savory rice recipe! This will be perfect with dinner tonight; excited to give this a try!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you love it, Sara!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
That looks amazing. I am sitting here wishing I had a bowl of it. My husband and son had a wee BBQ in the woods after their walk and now I am cooking for just me. I want this but fear it will be spaghetti. Saving and sharing this one.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you enjoy it, Jacqueline!
Raia Todd says
Oooh, this sounds like a simple and filling dish. Is it possible to use split lentils instead of split mung?
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I haven’t tried it myself but it’s definitely worth trying! May alter the flavor and texture.
Beth says
Basmati rice is the rice of choice in my home so I’m excited to have a new recipe to try!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
This is such a hearty dinner idea.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you!
Tr says
So delicious and easy to make! 😁
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Taylor Kiser says
This is totally my kind of comfort food! So comforting and cozy for a fall night dinner!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Taylor!
Deepika says
Khichari has always been a go-to comfort meal food. This recipe looks and sounds delicious. Will try it soon.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you enjoy it, Deepika!
Tara says
Yum! Such a wonderful comfort food. It sounds incredible with all of those warming spices.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It really is comforting, Tara! Thanks for stopping by!
Sara says
This looks so amazing. Reminds me of a congee, which is my favorite kind of breakfast (so hearty!!) Can’t wait to try this out!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Ah yes – I need to try congee! I hope you enjoy it, Sara!
Lemon Drop says
I am making this right now. But, I had to add more rice, as the water did not soak up enough. I am wondering if I should have left it uncovered when simmering? It does not say if it should be covered or uncovered. I covered it, simply because the other recipe for kichari that I tried said to cover it while simmering.
Otherwise, things are fine.
Sapana Chandra says
Thank you for the question! It should be left uncovered (which is how my mom cooked it growing up). This helps the water soak through and evaporate while simmering so you don’t need to add any more rice. I’ll update the notes to recipe to include that detail – thank you!
Dave says
Just made it, so good!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you!
Amy says
This looks like my dream bowl of comfort food, I bet it tastes incredible!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear – thank you!
Adrianne says
This is such an interesting dish. You are lucky to have grown up with such amazing flavours in your cooking. I love the simplicity and straight forward approach to the recipe, thanks for sharing.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you! I definitely feel lucky to grow up with delicious Indian food every day. My mom made things simple so that really helped me learn how to cook Indian food.
Dannii says
I haven’t heard of this before, but it sounds delicious. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy rice.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you enjoy it!
Jo Allison says
It looks so comforting I just want to dive straight in. I love nourishing dishes like your KItchari and will be trying it out this weekend!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you! I hope you enjoyed it.
Jacqueline Debono says
I have never tried kitchari but it looks really tasty. Love that it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner! I need to find some split mung beans and make this!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
They are a little harder to find, but thankfully easy to order online. I hope you enjoy it!
Heidy L. McCallum says
I made this dish for my best friend and she loved it so much she demanded your recipe on the spot. That’s a wonderful compliment because she is very picky about recipes and she seriously loved this one! I felt like a dinner hero! Saving this to make again!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
That seriously brings me so much joy! Thank you for sharing!
Sophie says
This Khichri looks just awesome. Comforting and warm – perfect for this weather. Thank you
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you!
Veena Azmanov says
I love this comfort food. So delicious and perfect and flavorful.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Veena!
Whitney says
Great recipe and I love the instructional photos!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear they are helpful!
Cookilicious says
Loved your post…your writing, your pictures..everything..and yes, love khichdi!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you! So happy to hear – all credit goes to my mom, who would cook this for us on a regular basis growing up!
Katie says
This looks so unique and fun to make. I can’t wait to try it!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you enjoy it!
Jill Petigara says
Simple, tasty and easy to make. I’ve made kitchari in my pressure cooker and slow cooker and appreciate this easy stove top recipe. I followed directions exactly and if came out perfect.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you for sharing – I’m so delighted to hear you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Jill!
Morgan Eisenberg says
This spice blend is giving me life, looks so vibrant and delicious!
Sapana Chandra says
I add spice to just about everything – guess it comes from growing up in an Indian household. I hope you love it!
pam greer says
This is pure comfort food! We love it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear, Pam!! Thanks for stopping by.
Claudia Lamascolo says
this sure looks tasty and creamy I never tried this kind of rice guess its time!
Sapana Chandra says
I hope you enjoy it!
Sara Welch says
What a savory recipe, indeed! Served this with dinner and it has instantly become a family favorite recipe in our home! Delicious!
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear, Sara!
Andrea Metlika says
Kitchari sounds so flavorful and looks fabulous. My family will eat this up.
Sapana Chandra says
Thanks, Andrea! I hope your family enjoys it.
Nicole says
Second time making this! So easy & delicious! And my kids love it! 👌🏻
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear, Nicole! And I love that your kids love it too!
Elyssa says
I made this last night. It turned out perfect!
Sapana Chandra says
That makes me so happy to hear!
Riley says
I’ve been making this on repeat. Thank you so much!
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear!
Kate says
I made this last night and it was SO good. Best kitchari recipe out there!
Sapana Chandra says
That makes me so happy to hear!
Sierra says
I love this!
Sapana Chandra says
So glad to hear!
Kate says
This looks so delicious and comforting! Can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Brie says
What are the nutritional values of this recipe?
Sapana Chandra says
Hi Brie, I’m working on adding the nutritional values for all of my recipes. Stay tuned and thank you for your feedback.
Sami says
Loved this! So delicious!
Sapana Chandra says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Lizette says
So delicious. I added corn because I some left over and it’s so so good.
Sapana Chandra says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lizette! Corn sounds like a delicious addition!
Tony Hampton says
Super duper!
Sapana Chandra says
Thank you, Tony!
Suzy says
I tried this recipe this weekend and it was heavenly. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
Sapana Chandra says
I’m so happy to hear that, Suzy! So glad you enjoyed it!
Kay says
This looks so yummy and cozy and calming. Thank you for sharing this and so many of your beautiful and delicious recipes! Can you share your childhood recipe for Indian Chai?
Sapana Chandra says
I’d be happy to share my childhood recipe for Indian Chai. I’ve added it to my list of upcoming recipes!
Meena says
I made this tonight and it was so delicious! Thanks for shading!
Sapana Chandra says
Hi Meena! So glad you enjoyed it.
Gila says
This recipe looks incredible!! Can’t wait to try it. I’m just unclear on where to use the 4cupw of water?
Please advise thank you!
Sapana Chandra says
Hi Gila! Thank you for asking — I’ve updated the directions to make it clearer. Hope that helps!! Excited to hear what you think!