Ingredients 1/2 cup Basmati Rice 1 cup Mung Dal (split yellow) 6 cups (approx.) Water 1/2 to 1 inch Ginger Root, chopped or grated a bit of Mineral Salt (1/4 tsp. or so) 2 tsp. Ghee 1/2 tsp. Coriander Powder 1/2 tsp. Cumin Powder 1/2 tsp. Whole Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp. Mustard Seeds 1/2 tsp. Turmeric Powder 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing) Handful Fresh Cilantro Leaves 1 and 1/2 cups Assorted Vegetables (optional)

Kitchari means mixture, usually of two grains. This is one kitchari recipe that is particularly nourishing and easy to digest. Please note the options below for some alternatives. Options Vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, sweet potato For Vata or Kapha conditions: add a pinch of ginger powder For Pitta: leave out the mustard seeds

Preparation Carefully pick over rice and dal to remove any stones. Wash each separately in at least 2 changes of water. Add the 6 cups of water to the rice and dal and cook covered until it becomes soft, about 20 minutes. While that is cooking, prepare any vegetables that suit your constitution. Cut them into smallish pieces. Add the vegetables to the cooked rice and dal mixture and cook 10 minutes longer. In a separate saucepan, sauté the seeds in the ghee until they pop. Then add the other spices. Stir together to release the flavors. Stir the sautéed spices into the cooked dal, rice, and vegetable mixture. Add the mineral salt and chopped fresh cilantro and serve. Caution: Kitchari mono-diet can lead to constipation if taken exclusively for several days, as it is low in fiber. To ensure proper elimination, the following may prove helpful if taken once a day, away from kitchari meals: psyllium husks or seeds with water OR oat bran OR prune juice. Teas for each Constitution Vata Tea — equal parts ground ginger, cumin and coriander Pitta Tea — equal parts ground cumin, coriander and fennel Kapha Tea — equal parts ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of clove