Reset for Spring With This Easy Recipe
As Winter gives way to Spring (we get that it may not look that way in some places!), your body is readying itself to naturally let go of the heavier energies and foods that kept you warm and cosy for the last several months. This is the perfect time to support your digestive system by giving it a bit of a break.
The deeply intelligent Ayurvedic tradition favors gentle nourishment and ‘lightening the load’ in the form of foods that are easily digestible, rather than extreme cleanses or purges. The vast majority of the time, your body handles everything you ingest/are exposed to with its own cleansing processes, only occasionally needing some gentle support or correction. Adding more nutrient-packed greens and other fresh veggies to your meals is a perfect way to reinforce.
Here is a greens-boosted kitchari that features clean protein, good fats, fiber, and an array of antioxidant-packed spices to support your liver and nurture your gut microbiome.
Spring Green Kitchari
Kitchari is a basic, nourishing porridge that features rice and mung beans. In Ayurveda, it’s considered appropriate for all body types, and it can be adjusted according to the seasons and your needs.
- 4-6 c. water
- 1 c. basmati rice
- 1 c. split yellow mung (dal) beans (or mixed dal/kitchari mix)
- ¼ c. carrots, chopped
- ¼ c. cauliflower, chopped
- ¼ c. greens, chopped (chard, beet greens, or young dandelion leaves)
- ¼ c. green peas
Rinse rice and dal, add to a large pot with the water (amount of water will determine consistency). Stir in all other ingredients. Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- 2 tbl. ghee or any neutral oil
- ½ tsp. coriander pwd.
- ½ tsp. cumin pwd.
- ½ tsp. cumin seeds
- ½ tsp. mustard seeds
- ½ tsp. turmeric pwd.
In a separate pan, sauté the seeds in the ghee or neutral oil over medium heat until they pop, then add the other spices. Stir together, then add the spice mixture into the cooked dal, rice, and vegetables. Add a few pinches of salt, and top with chopped cilantro and/or parsley, for extra ‘green power.’ If you want to up the good fats, you can also top it with ghee. Savor this deeply nourishing bowl!
Long before wellness influencers and radical cleanses existed, fresh foods, herbs and spices have been the time-tested tools that humans have used to optimize their bodies’ natural processes to ‘lighten up’ for Spring. This recipe offers a deliciously easy way to support your body through this transition.