Kitchari (Lightly Spiced Lentils and Rice)

_Proven, Indian

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Source:

Ingredients

1/2 cup (92.5 g) long grain white basmati rice

1/2 cup (96 g) quick cooking lentils such as split Red lentils (masoor dal) or (petite yellow lentils)Mung Dal or both

1 tsp oil

1/3 tsp cumin seeds or 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 onion finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic finely chopped

1 inch to 7g ginger finely chopped

1 green Chili, chopped serrano or birds eye, or use half a jalapeño

1 bay leaf or 6 curry leaves , optional

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp garam masala , optional

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp cayenne optional

1 tomato chopped

1 to 2 cups chopped vegetables

1/2 tsp salt

2 to 2.5 cups (473.18 ml) water (more for saucier)

Description

Onepot or Instant Pot

Directions

Wash the lentils and rice then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

Heat the Instant Pot on saute. Add oil and let it heat up. Add cumin or mustard seeds and cook for half a minute.

Add the onion, chile, garlic, ginger and a pinch of salt (and bay leaves or curry leaves) and cook for 2 mins.

Add ginger and spices and mix in.

Add tomato and cook for 3 mins. Mash the larger pieces. Add 2 tbsp water to deglaze mid way.

Drain and add the lentils and rice. Add water, salt, veggies and mix well to pick up any stuck bits.

Close the lid and pressure cook one of the following times. Low pressure for 3 mins for pictured version. High pressure for 3 to 6 minutes for a porridge and if using mung dal. Once the cooking cycle is done, quick release the pressure after 5 mins.

Fold in a few tbsp chopped cilantro and lemon juice to taste and fluff. Taste and adjust salt and flavor.

Store refrigerated for upto 3 days. For brown rice kitchari, try this.

Notes

To make it in a saucepan: follow steps 1 to 5 in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the lentils and rice and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low-medium and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes or until desired consistency. You can add any blend of veggies! Think carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, and spinach. Use any blend you like.

Make sure not to burn the spices or your kitchari will be bitter.

White basmati rice can be substituted for other quick cooking whole grains such as quinoa, and amaranth.

Feel free to play around with the spices and vegetables, according to what you enjoy and what’s in season.

Nutrition

Sodium 448mg
Potassium 455mg
Carbohydrates 39g
Fiber 9g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 12mg
Calcium 64mg
Iron 3mg