Mung Dal Kitchari

Mung Dal Kitchari is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines split yellow lentils (mung dal) with basmati rice and aromatic spices. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for those following a sattvic diet and makes a wonderful offering to Krishna.

Mung Dal Kitchari Recipe presented in a traditional clay bowl, garnished with Tulsi leaf.

Prepared with love and devotion, Mung Dal Kitchari is a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens and is known for its soothing and healing properties.

Serving Suggestions

Mung Dal Kitchari can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • As a Main Dish: Serve Mung Dal Kitchari as a wholesome main dish with a side of raita or yogurt.
  • With Pickles: Pair with tangy Indian pickles to add a burst of flavor.
  • As a Side Dish: Serve alongside other vegetable preparations or curries.
  • During Fasting: Mung Dal Kitchari is also a popular choice during fasting days due to its light and easily digestible nature.

These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.

History

Kitchari has a long history in Indian cuisine, traditionally made as a simple and nourishing dish that is easy to digest. This version, free from onions and garlic, adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet. By focusing on purity and devotion, Mung Dal Kitchari has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens, symbolizing simplicity and nourishment.

Bhakti Thought

Mung Dal Kitchari is more than just a dish; it is an expression of simplicity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this dish to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Mung Dal Kitchari inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.

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Mung Dal Kitchari

Mung Dal Kitchari is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Mung Dal Kitchari combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.

  • Author: Chandra-Vadana Chaitanya das
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 – 6 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sauté and Simmer
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) mung dal (split yellow lentils)
  • 1 cup (200 g) basmati rice
  • 1 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp aniseed
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp ghee butter
  • 4 cups (950 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Rinse the mung dal and basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Cook the Spices:
    • In a pot, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, aniseed, and asafoetida. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.
  3. Add the Rice and Dal:
    • Add the soaked mung dal and rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat with the spices.
  4. Add Spices and Water:
    • Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  5. Cook the Kitchari:
    • Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the dal and rice are cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Tempering:
    • For an extra layer of flavor, heat additional ghee in a separate pan with cumin seeds until they splutter. Pour this tempering over the kitchari before serving.
  7. Finish and Serve:
    • Offer to Krishna and serve hot as a main dish or side dish.

Notes

  • Enhancing Flavor: Toasting the cumin seeds and whole spices before adding the rice and dal enhances their flavor and aroma.
  • Ghee Substitution: For a vegan version, you can use oil instead of ghee.
  • Texture: If you prefer a thicker kitchari, reduce the water slightly. For a thinner consistency, add more water as needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Hare Krishna Maha Mantra