Imagine a single dish that combines ancient healing traditions, incredible nutrition, and mind-blowing flavor - welcome to the world of Kitchari! This magical Indian one-pot wonder is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating. Packed with protein, fiber, and warming spices, this Brown Rice Mung Bean Kitchari is about to become your new obsession, promising to nourish your body and delight your taste buds in ways you never thought possible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup mung beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice and mung beans separately under cold water until the water runs clear, removing any debris or impurities.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the grated ginger and turmeric to the onions, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds to release their aromatic oils and prevent burning.
- Add the rinsed brown rice and mung beans to the pot, stirring to coat them with the spices and oil.
- Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the kitchari for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice and mung beans are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and let the kitchari rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Fluff the kitchari with a fork before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips
- • Always rinse your rice and mung beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a cleaner, more distinct texture. • Use fresh, high-quality spices to maximize the aromatic profile of your kitchari. • Keep the heat low and slow during simmering to prevent burning and achieve a creamy, well-integrated consistency. • For extra richness, consider using ghee instead of oil - it adds a beautiful depth of flavor. • Don't skip the resting period after cooking; it allows the flavors to fully develop and the grains to absorb remaining moisture. • Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition. • Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth, ideally with a side of yogurt or fresh herbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
