Khichdi - Ayurvedic Food Recipes for Weight Loss

Khichdi can be described as a porridge type of dish prepared from mung lentil and rice as the main ingredients. Various herbs and spices make it a healing recipe for various diseases. Ayurvedic therapies use it for cleansing due to its ease of digestion and assimilation. Khichari can be eaten by persons with any type of doshas but is especially good for vata.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split moong dal (lentil)
• 1/2 tbsp ghee or sesame oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1/4 tsp hing also called Asafoetida
• 1/2 inch finely chopped ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 4 to 6 cups of water depending upon the consistency desired.

Directions:

• Wash the lentil and rice together.
• In a heated heavy-bottomed saucepan or pressure cooker add Ghee (clarified butter) or oil.
• When ghee gets warmed, add hing, cumin and mustard seeds. Wait till the seeds crackle.
• Add chopped ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds.
• Add rice and dal, turmeric, salt and chili powder.
• Mix in gently.
• Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. If using saucepan, cover it, reduce heat to low and cook undisturbed until soft for about 30 minutes.
• Switch off heat, let khichari rest for 5 minutes.
• If using pressure cooker, cook the khichdi for one whistle.
• Let the cooker cool off.
• Fluff it up gently with a spoon, add a tablespoon of ghee (optional) and serve.