Kitchari - the delicious Auyervedic health food we had at our Orlagh House retreat

While preparing for our recent all-day event in Orlagh House I requested of our lovely chef, Aaron, a healthy meal that was nourishing, plant-based, locally grown and organic when possible and if possible, gluten-free and vegan. Aaron did not disappoint! We were treated to an incredible dish, surrounded by lots of other mini-dishes just bursting in colour and flavour. Here’s a little piece about Kitchari, the main dish, and it’s incredible health benefits.

Kitchari is an Indian dish commonly used as both food and medicine in Ayurveda. This simple, yet powerful food goes much farther than a tasty meal. With a long list of health benefits, uses, and variations, this dish is undoubtedly an Ayurvedic essential!

“Let medicine be thy food and food be thy medicine.”  

What is Kitchari?

Kitchari is a traditional Indian dish with the main ingredients of mung dal and basmati rice that has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Mung dal is the green mung bean, sliced in half with the outer green skin removed, leaving a small yellow lentil. The process of this allows the bean to cook into a mushy state, making it much easier to digest. Since this is one of the main health benefits of Kitchari, mung dal is often preferred over the whole mung bean when making Kitchari. 

Why is Kitchari so revered in Ayurveda?

Kitchari is considered an Ayurvedic staple for several reasons. As mentioned above, the mushy state of the dal and basmati rice allows for easy digestion, even by many individuals that have a hard time digesting other beans. When eating meals such as this, the digestive fire (Agni) can reduce its work load and “take a break”. This (often much needed) break allows the digestion to strengthen and toxins to be flushed from the system. 

Kitchari is also considered a “perfect protein” source, meaning it contains the nine essential amino acids that are needed in the body. However, Kitchari’s nutrient value goes much farther than protein. This hearty meal is a great source of numerous essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc and various B vitamins. It is a great source of dietary fibre and contains a large amount of anti-aging, cancer-fighting antioxidants. Due to the high nutrition content of Kitchari, it is considered a healthy, nourishing, sustainable meal option to eat on a regular basis.

Between these two essential factors, Kitchari is considered a great meal choice for the daily diet, but even more so during times of cold, flu, illness, digestive disorders, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Health Benefits of Kitchari

Tri-doshic, meaning it is beneficial for all dosha types (aka Ayurvedic body-types)

Easy to digest

Strengthens the digestive fire and flushes toxins when eaten regularly

Due to the easy-to-digest quality, this is the most recommended meal during sickness, chronic illness, weakness, digestive issues, pregnancy, postpartum and detoxification

Perfect protein source (contains all 9 essential amino acids)

High in multiple nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc, and various B vitamins

Great source of dietary fibre

High in cancer-fighting, anti-aging antioxidants

Nutrient dense, making it a healthy, sustainable routine meal option 

Improves heart and colon health

Spices involved provide numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation, flushing toxins, increasing circulation, boosting immunity, increasing the digestion, and allowing better absorption of nutrients

Great meal option for weight loss programs

(https://svasthaayurveda.com/)