Time for Your Autumn Cleanse

It's that time of year when you need to treat your body to the wonderful cleansing properties of Mung Bean Soup! This is an Ayurvedic practice that is done in the spring and the autumn to cleanse the body and keep it in balance.

Here is a wonderful recipe for a soup that will help cleanse and energize your body. This recipe and info is from joyfulbelly.com and its founder John Immel.

How to Make Mung Dal Kitchari (Kapha Reducing)

SERVINGS: 4

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 60 MINUTES

MEAL: LUNCH-DINNER

STYLE: AYURVEDIC

PREPARATION: BOILED

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER, SPRING

FOR OCCASION: CLEANSE, ON-THE-MEND

INGREDIENTS

1 c BASMATI RICE

4 leaves BAY LEAF

¼ tsp CARDAMOM

½ tsp CINNAMON

¼ tsp CLOVES

1 tsp CUMIN

2 tbsp GHEE

1 inch GINGER (FRESH)

½ c MUNG BEAN

¼ tsp SALT (MINERAL SALT)

4 c WATER

PREPARATION

Use split mung bean if possible. Soak the mung beans for several hours before cooking and drain. Add 6c water and bring to a boil, scooping off any foam that forms on the top. Then, strain out the liquid, and add another 4c of fresh water to the mung dal. 2. When the mung beans are dissolved into the broth (1-3hrs depending upon desired textured), grind the ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cumin. Make a thick paste by adding a bit of water. Let sit for five minutes, then saute in the ghee until the spices become aromatic but before they brown. De-glaze the frying pan with a 1/4c of water to soak all the remaining flavor of the spices and add to the mung soup. 3. Add rice and any remaining ingredients to broth. Stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes or until grains are tender.

How Can Mung Dal Kitchari (Kapha Reducing) Make You Feel Great?

AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS

Cleanse Your Body

If your belly feels sluggish after too many treats, Kitchari is an easy way to cleanse your digestion and restore freshness. Kitchari offers a true delight to both your body and senses. It is a heart warming synergy of mung beans, basmati rice, and digestive spices that is easy to prepare. This time tested formula, centuries old, is a complete protein, rich in fiber, cleansing to the digestive tract, and will act to bulk up stool for easier elimination. To maximize the many benefits your will receive from kitchari, eat it for several meals in a row, such as lunch and dinner on the same day. Once you experience the benefits of kitchari, you'll see how feeling good again is just a few steps away. It just may become addictive! Those who avoid beans because of digestive difficulties need not avoid kitchari. Mung beans are among the easiest to digest legumes. They are antacid, helping to soothe fiery digestive conditions, and won't promote gas and bloating.

Invigorate Your Metabolism

Spices are the difference between a tasty meal and a bland one, and also the difference between healthy and poor circulation. A Kapha imbalance can cause your circulation to stagnate, depressing your metabolism and causing weight gain. A well-spiced dish can stimulate your circulation, invigorate your metabolism, and clear out congestion. In this recipe, cloves open up your pores and enhance blood flow to the skin, reducing puffiness and lymphatic congestion. Cardamom destroys mucous congestion. Ginger stimulates the heart. Cumin and bay leaf reduce water retention. Reach for these spices with enthusiasm, but remember: Too much spice is harsh and can leave a burning feeling the intestines. Be aware of your body's reaction to spices. Those with ulcers or inflammation will not benefit from too many spices, but it is helpful for those with sluggish digestion.

WHAT IS MUNG DAL KITCHARI (KAPHA REDUCING)?

Kitchari is Ayurveda's perfect food, indicated in times of recovery as well as cleansing. Kitchari can even be the centerpiece of a mono-diet or fast, as it is a simple food that supplements the healing process. As with Grandma's chicken soup, there are as many ways to make kitchari as there are reasons to consume it. Typical modifications include vegetables such as carrots, greens, zucchini, or potatoes. Spices like cumin, cinnamon, or black pepper can be included, as well as even toasted nuts or coconut. Technically, a kitchari is any dish combining rice and legumes. Typically, however, kitcharies use mung beans because they are the easiest legume to digest. This kitchari is especially suited to Kapha dosha.

WHY SHOULD YOU EAT AYURVEDICALLY?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Foods that supplement your specific body type’s needs and digest easily create your menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

Take a trip to joyfulbelly.com for more recipes and take their quiz to find out what your body type is! Knowing your body type can can help you make healthful eating choices.

Enjoy!