Kitchari is a made up of a mix of Basmati rice and split green mung beans. It is a delicious, healing recipe usually a favourite during an Ayurveda cleanse. It originates from the Asian subcontinent and dates back thousands of years. It is such a versatile dish that everyone almost certainly has their own way of making it, adding vegetables and spices of their choice.

Here is my version which is simple and quick to make and wonderfully healing; I eat this when I am recovering from a winter illness, the day after I have had an indulgent meal and my digestive system needs a break; or just because I love it so much and it tastes great! I hope you enjoy it too.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Basmati rice

1 cup mung beans (split green)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)

1 teaspoon Turmeric

a pinch of asafoetida (found in a Indian grocery store)

Method:

Mix the rice and lentils together and wash well in warm water; at least twice. Then put in a steel pan and add 6 cups of water, salt, turmeric and rich of asafoetida and bring to a boil. As it come to a boil lower the heat and simmer on a low flame for 20 minutes. You can half cover the pan with a lid. The consistency and texture is similar to porridge. Once cooked mix and serve. I eat this with plain yoghurt and sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped coriander on top for taste.