As we step into January, there’s no better time to reset, rejuvenate, and realign with nature's rhythms. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is through Kitchari, a traditional Ayurvedic dish that embodies the principles of balance, nourishment, and healing.
Kitchari, meaning "mixture" in Sanskrit, is a warm, comforting one-pot meal made from rice, lentils, and a medley of spices. It’s celebrated in Ayurveda not only for its ability to detoxify the body but also for its deeply nourishing qualities that restore energy and vitality. Unlike restrictive cleanses, Kitchari offers a gentle, sustainable approach to detoxification, feeding your body with essential nutrients while helping to flush out toxins (Ama).
After the indulgences of the festive season—rich foods, late nights, and perhaps a bit more sugar than usual—January is the perfect opportunity to embrace a lighter, more intentional diet. Kitchari supports this transition by being incredibly easy on the digestive system, giving your body the time and space it needs to rest and repair.
One of the many reasons Kitchari is so beloved in Ayurveda is its adaptability. It’s designed to balance all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—making it suitable for everyone, regardless of their unique constitution. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to customise the dish to meet your specific needs, whether you’re seeking warmth, cooling, or grounding energy.
Kitchari isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual of self-care, a way to reconnect with yourself and support your health from the inside out. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the benefits of this Ayurvedic staple and share a step-by-step recipe to help you embrace its healing magic. Let’s start the year with a bowl of balance and nourishment.

Ingredients
- Grains: White basmati rice for easy digestion (or quinoa as an alternative).
- Legumes: Split yellow mung beans for protein and digestive ease.
- Spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and mustard seeds for their detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Fats: Fushi Organic Ghee to support digestion and enhance flavour.
- Water or Broth: To create a soothing, porridge-like consistency.
The recipe
1. Prepare Ingredients
Rinse 3 ounces of basmati rice and 3 ounces of split yellow mung beans thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step ensures the grains cook evenly and removes any excess starch.
2. Toast the Spices with Fushi Ghee
Heat 1 tablespoon of Fushi Ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Once the ghee melts and releases its golden aroma, add:
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
Sauté the spices until they become aromatic, releasing their rich, earthy fragrance.
3. Add the Rice and Beans
Stir the rinsed rice and mung beans into the pot, allowing them to coat evenly in the spiced ghee mixture for added flavour.
4. Season and Simmer
- Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric, 1 inch of grated fresh ginger, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour in 6 cups of water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Vegetables
Add your choice of chopped vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Continue to cook for 30–40 minutes until the mixture reaches a soft, porridge-like consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Kitchari into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Enjoy this comforting dish as a warming meal or part of your detox routine.

Customising Kitchari for your Dosha
One of the beautiful things about Kitchari is its versatility—it can be easily customised to suit your unique constitution or Dosha. By adjusting the ingredients and spices, you can tailor Kitchari to help balance your body's natural energy, whether you’re feeling a little out of sync or simply seeking to nourish and ground yourself. Let’s break down how to customise Kitchari for each Dosha using Fushi’s natural ingredients.
Vata:
Vata is known for its light, airy qualities, which can leave the body feeling dry, cold, and ungrounded. To bring balance to Vata, we recommend adding warming, grounding spices like cinnamon and clove to your Kitchari. These spices not only add warmth but also soothe digestion, which is key for Vata.
For vegetables, choose sweet, grounding options like carrots and squash, which provide the nourishment and moisture that Vata craves. You can also incorporate Fushi Ghee to enhance the warmth and support Vata’s need for hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and your energy balanced.
Pitta:
Pitta is fiery and intense, often leading to excess heat and inflammation in the body. To calm Pitta’s natural heat, focus on cooling vegetables such as zucchini and asparagus, which help to soothe the digestive tract and cool the body.
When it comes to spices, keep things light—reduce the amount of mustard seeds and ginger, as these can be too stimulating for Pitta’s sensitive digestion. Instead, you can use mild spices like coriander or fennel to keep the flavours balanced without overwhelming the system.
Kapha:
Kapha tends to be heavy and slow, and when out of balance, it can lead to sluggish digestion and excess weight. To stimulate Kapha, add extra ginger and black pepper—both of which promote circulation and heat, helping to boost metabolism and energise the body.
For vegetables, opt for light, leafy greens like spinach or kale, which help to stimulate digestion and clear excess mucus, common in Kapha imbalances. The lighter, nutrient-dense vegetables will also keep the body feeling lighter, less sluggish, and more energised.

Balancing with Fushi
Whether you're customizing your Kitchari to soothe your Vata, calm your Pitta, or stimulate your Kapha, incorporating Fushi’s high-quality, organic ingredients like Fushi Ghee, spices, and natural oils can help to enhance the benefits of this Ayurvedic detox. With each bite, you’ll feel more aligned with your body’s needs and the seasons, giving you a sense of balance, calm, and vitality.
Embrace Kitchari as a personalised meal that works with your body to promote health, wellness, and inner harmony.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Kitchari
What is Kitchari, and why is it used in Ayurveda?
Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic dish made from rice, lentils (or mung beans), and spices. It’s known for its detoxifying and nourishing properties. In Ayurveda, Kitchari is considered a "Sattvic food", meaning it promotes balance, clarity, and well-being. It is often used during cleansing or detox periods as it is easy to digest, provides essential nutrients, and supports the body’s natural healing process.
Can I make Kitchari if I don’t have all the spices?
Absolutely! While the spices in Kitchari enhance its detoxifying and healing benefits, you can still make a basic version with just rice, lentils, and a few spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or adjust the spices to your preference. The beauty of Kitchari is its flexibility!
How long should I eat Kitchari for detoxing?
For a simple detox, you can eat Kitchari for 1-3 days as a mono-meal (a meal you eat exclusively for that period) to give your digestive system a break while nourishing your body. You can also enjoy Kitchari as a weekly reset meal or incorporate it into your diet regularly for its digestive and immune-boosting benefits.