A Simple Kitchari Reset 🌿
I want to share a very simple Kitchari Reset with you…your digestion will thank you.
Why Kitchari for a Reset?
Kitchari is especially helpful after holidays, stressful times, or periods when we may have overindulged a little. During such times, we often eat:
heavier and richer foods
more sweets, sugar, dairy, or alcohol
late or irregular meals
and sometimes our emotions run a bit wild, leaving the nervous system on overload
According to Ayurveda, all of this can dull Agni (digestive fire), disturb the gut, and create Ama (undigested material in body and mind).
How Kitchari Helps
Eating a simple, warm, and nourishing Kitchari for a few days:
gives the gut lining a break from irritation and overstimulation
reduces bloating and inflammation
naturally resets cravings
supports mental clarity and inner calm
In Ayurveda, digestion and the mind are inseparable. When digestion becomes simple and steady, the mind also settles. Even 1–3 days of Kitchari can feel like a gentle return to your center.
Why Kitchari Is So Digestive-Friendly
Kitchari is considered one of the most balancing and restorative meals in Ayurveda:
split yellow mung dal is the lightest and least gas-producing legume
basmati rice digests easily and provides steady nourishment
cooked together in one pot, the system doesn’t have to work so hard
This gives Agni a chance to reset and recalibrate after constant stimulation, especially during festive or stressful periods.
Nourishment Without Deprivation
Kitchari nourishes gently—without fasting or deprivation. It:
provides all six tastes (with spices and vegetables)
supports detoxification without shock to the system
generally balances all three doshas
Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and hing improve absorption, reduce bloating, support liver and gut function, and gently clear stagnation in both body and mind.
A Little Backstory + Recipe Video
A dear friend recently asked me for a good Kitchari recipe, which reminded me that 14 years ago I made a simple Kitchari video and uploaded it to my YouTube channel (which I hardly ever use 😊). Thanks to her, this video has been reawakened.
👉 Here is the video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLJN6ENjGbc
A Few Personal Notes
Nowadays, I often substitute basmati rice with quinoa
I use sea salt instead of pink Himalayan salt
The recipe in the video is very mild—please feel free to use more spices (I do!)
For winter or Vata season, make it a bit more soupy and add a little extra ghee if you wish
Enjoy this simple, grounding reset.
With warmth,
Jutta
Kitchari – Ingredients
2 tbsp ghee (melt over medium heat)
Variety of organic vegetables – any you like, chopped
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp ginger powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 cup white basmati rice, rinsed well and drained
1 cup split yellow mung dal, rinsed well and soaked for 2 hours
6–8 cups water (bring to a boil on high heat)
½ tsp sea salt
1 small pinch of asafoetida (hing)
