Kitchari Recipe

Kitchari Recipe (Ayurvedic Detox Meal)

Looking for a simple kitchari recipe that’s nourishing, easy to digest, and deeply healing? This traditional Ayurvedic dish is a staple at Byron Yoga Centre and a favourite for restoring balance in both body and mind.

Made with basmati rice, split mung dal, and warming spices, kitchari is a gentle, one-pot meal often used in Ayurvedic cleansing and everyday nourishment. It’s simple, grounding, and perfect for when you need to reset.

Why you’ll love this Kitchari

• Ayurvedic & cleansing – supports gentle detoxification
• Easy to digest – ideal for gut health and recovery
• Naturally vegetarian & gluten-free
• Simple one-pot meal
• Comforting and nourishing

Kitchari is traditionally made with rice and mung beans, creating a balanced, easy-to-digest meal that supports energy and wellbeing

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serves 4

• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 tsp hing (asafoetida)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 5 fresh curry leaves (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 Tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 6 – 10 cups water
• ¼ cup split mung dhal
• ½ cup basmati rice
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 small carrot grated or finely chopped
• 1 small zucchini grated or finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander

Method (Step-by-Step)

1. Soak the rice and mung dhal overnight
2. Rinse rice, mung dhal and vegetables well
3. Heat oil or ghee in a large heavy-based saucepan
4. Add the hing and fry momentarily, then add mustard seeds and fry till they start to pop
5. Add curry leaves and cumin seeds and fry till the seeds darken slightly, then add ginger, turmeric, paprika and salt and fry a further 2-3 minutes
6. Stir in chopped vegetables to coat with spices
7. Add 6 cups of water, rice and mung dhal and bring to a boil
8. Reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking, being careful to stir occasionally once kitchari starts to thicken, or it will stick to the bottom and burn
9. Continue to cook till a thick soupy consistency is reached, adding more water if necessary
10. Stir in the fresh coriander just before serving.

What is Kitchari?

Kitchari (also spelled kichari or khichdi) is a traditional Ayurvedic dish made from rice, lentils, and spices, known for being both nourishing and easy to digest.

Often described as a “reset meal”, it’s commonly used during seasonal cleanses or when the body needs rest and restoration.

Ayurvedic Benefits of Kitchari

In Ayurveda, kitchari is considered one of the most balancing meals:

• Supports digestive fire (Agni)
• Helps gently detox the body
• Provides complete protein from rice + lentils
• Suitable for all doshas (with small adjustments)
• Ideal during illness, stress, or seasonal transitions

Kitchari is often recommended as a healing, cleansing food that nourishes without overloading digestion.

Tips for the Perfect Kitchari

• Add more water for a softer, soup-like texture
• Adjust spices based on your constitution (dosha)
• Add seasonal vegetables for variety
• Use ghee for a more traditional Ayurvedic version

When to eat Kitchari

Kitchari is perfect when you:

• Feel run down or low in energy
• Want a simple reset or cleanse
• Need a gentle, nourishing meal
• Are coming back from illness or stress

Bring the feeling of  a retreat home ❤

This kitchari recipe is inspired by the meals we serve at Byron Yoga Centre – simple, nourishing, and made with intention.

If you enjoyed this, you might also love:

• Simple Dahl recipe
• Ayurvedic winter tips
• Our yoga retreats and wellness experiences