Kitchari

28 Nov

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 Minutes (plus 2 hours soaking time) | Cook Time: 45 Minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking time)

Ingredients

For the Kitchari

1 cup medium grain rice, soaked for 2 hours, then strained

1/2 cup lentils (e.g. yellow or red), soaked for 2 hours, then strained

2 teaspoons turmeric

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium brown onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 cup baby spinach

1-2 fresh chillies, sliced (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons ghee (for cooking)

Salt to taste

For the Caramelised Onions

1 large brown onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon ghee

Pinch of salt

For Topping

Greek yoghurt

Instructions

Soak the rice and lentils in water for at least 2 hours. Drain and rinse them well before using.

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Stir to coat the rice and lentils in the spices. Add the diced sweet potato.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are soft and the sweet potato is cooked through.

Stir in the baby spinach and fresh chillies, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt to taste.

Caramelise the Onions

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deep golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. The natural sweetness of the onions will come out as they caramelise slowly.

Serve

Ladle the kitchari into bowls.

Top each serving with a spoonful of caramelised onions and a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

Garnish with extra sliced chilli if desired.

Print Recipe Button

Recipe Video Coming Soon

↑

Recipe Video Coming Soon ↑

How is it good for you?

- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Childbirth often leads to inflammation in the body, especially around the healing tissues. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce this inflammation, supporting faster recovery after delivery.
- Pain Relief: The natural anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric can help reduce pain and swelling postpartum, making it a natural alternative to over-the-counter pain medications.
- Hormonal Balance: After giving birth, women experience hormonal fluctuations, which can affect mood and overall well-being. Turmeric may support hormonal balance, potentially reducing symptoms of postpartum depression by regulating mood-related hormones.
- Wound Healing: Whether recovering from a C-section or natural delivery, turmeric’s antioxidant properties help promote tissue repair and wound healing. Its ability to support the body's natural healing processes makes it ideal for postpartum care.
- Nutrient-dense: Chicken broth is packed with essential nutrients like collagen, amino acids (like glycine and proline), and minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus), which aid in repairing tissues, promoting skin elasticity, and supporting joint health after childbirth.
- Supports tissue repair: The high collagen content in chicken broth helps regenerate tissues and aids in the healing process, which is crucial for recovery from vaginal tears, C-sections, or general postpartum tissue healing.
- Promotes gut health: Chicken broth is easy to digest and supports gut health by nourishing the intestinal lining, which can be disrupted due to postpartum hormonal changes. The gelatin and amino acids in the broth improve digestion and help reduce bloating or discomfort.
- Reduces Inflammation: Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerol, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body after childbirth. This is important for general healing and recovery.
- Aids Digestion: Many postpartum women experience digestive discomfort, bloating, or nausea due to hormonal changes. Ginger supports healthy digestion by stimulating bile production and promoting smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to alleviate these issues