Kitchari is a traditional Indian dish made with Basmati rice and moong dal. This recipe is simple, easy to make, authentic, and one I grew up eating in my mother’s kitchen.
What is Kitchari?
Kitchari is a porridge-like mixture of Basmati rice and moong dal (split mung beans) simmered in spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, ginger, and black pepper.
Kitchari is one of the most basic staples in Ayurveda. It has a texture similar to oatmeal.
How to Make Kitchari – Step By Step
To make this authentic kitchari recipe I grew up eating in my mother’s kitchen:
- Soak the rice and moong dal: In a medium bowl, combine the rice and moong dal. Pour enough water to cover the mixture and soak for 15 minutes. In a fine mesh strainer, rinse the mixture until the water runs clear.
- Gather your ingredients: While the rice and moong dal are soaking, gather the remaining ingredients so you don’t leave anything out accidentally.
- Warm the oil and spices: Next, add oil to a medium pot on medium-low heat. Once the oil starts to warm up,
carefully add the cumin seeds and cook for until the seeds start to brown and become fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ginger and ground turmeric. - Add remaining ingredients: Add the rice and moong dal mixture. Pour the water, season with salt and pepper, and stir.
- Simmer until cooked: Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a slight boil. Turn the heat down medium-low to a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy.
- Season: Adjust the seasoning, if needed, and taste the kitchari make sure the mixture is soft and cooked through. If not, you may need to let it cook a little longer.
Serving Instructions
There are a few ways to enjoy kitchari:
- Enjoy the kitchari alone or with a drizzle of ghee or extra-virgin olive oil.
- Garnish the kitchari with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy the kitchari with a simple tomato and onion salad.
When can you eat Kitchari?
Kitchari can be enjoyed any time of the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How do you Store Kitchari?
When storing the kitchari for later, be sure to cool it down completely before placing it in the refrigerator. I store mine in an air-tight glass container and it’s usually good for 2-3 days.
Can you Freeze Kitchari?
Yes, it can be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to let the kitchari thaw before reheating it.
How do you Reheat Kitchari?
Warm up the kitchari on the stovetop in a small pan. You may need to stir it with a small amount of water to get that same porridge-like consistency it originally had. I add 1/4 cup of water for every cup of kitchari I reheat.
Is Ghee Vegan?
No, ghee is not vegan. Ghee is made from clarified butter, which is made with dairy. If you’re vegan, vegan butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil are good alternatives.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Basmati rice: Kitchari is traditionally made with Basmati rice. You could substitute with jasmine, brown rice, or even quinoa, however, Basmati rice will give you the best results.
- Split mung beans: Also known as moong dal or washed mung dal, it can be a little challenging to find them. I order them from Amazon – I love that they are organic and come from a reliable source. Please note: you may use other types of beans or lentils. However, Ayurveda recommends using split mung beans as other beans can be harder for the body to digest.
- Water: To cook and simmer the rice and beans in. You could substitute with vegetable broth.
- Ghee: Traditionally, kitchari is cooked with ghee or butter. However, you can substitute this with oil to make it vegan-friendly.
- Spices: In this recipe, we’ll add cumin seeds, ginger, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. You can use either fresh or ground ginger. If you don’t have cumin seeds, you can substitute ground cumin as well.
For More Indian Recipes, check out:
- Cauliflower Tikka Masala
- Indian Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
- Aloo Tikki (Indian Potato Patties)
- Masala Potato Salad
- Indian Rice Pudding
Did you make this kitchari recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! Save this recipe for later by pinning it and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your creation!
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Kitchari is a traditional Indian dish made with Basmati rice and moong dal. This recipe is simple, easy to make, and one I grew up eating in my mother’s kitchen.
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 moong 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. Let the kitchari simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you get a porridge-like consistency. It should be soft and creamy.
- Taste the kitchari to make sure the mixture 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) can be challenging to find in most grocery stores. I buy organic moong dal from Amazon here.
Keywords: kitchari, how to make kitchari, indian kitchari, ayurvedic kitchari
This recipe was originally published on March 13, 2017. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures, commentary, and made even more delicious!
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!