Gut Healing Khichri
A good friend of mine from that I work with is Indian. I learned this week that I had been spelling Khichri wrong all along! Apparently it’s spelled Khichdi…which it makes the pronunciation quite different as well. After looking online, there are actually quite a few different ways to spell it and there are SO many different variations to make it depending on where you live. Khichri is one of the most versatile foods out there, for ingredients AND spelling ;)
Khichri originates from the Indian subcontinent and is made from rice and lentils. It is gentle enough for babies to eat and many seniors love it because it is easy to digest. It contains many spices that support digestion, inflammation and healthy gut!
Since I have been pregnant I have had many food aversions and have not been able to eat left overs. Khichri has been a lifesaver for me! For what ever reason, I’ve eaten it as left overs and still enjoyed it. I am a HUGE left over fan - because helllllo life is busy so it has been hard having to make something new every day. On top of that - I usually LOVE meat… but in my first trimester the sound of it totally grossed me out! It was important for me to make sure I was getting enough protein to help balance my blood sugar, so this dish was great because the lentils + rice form a complete protein. If you are pregnant and struggling to find things to eat - give this a try!
I won’t forget to mention…… this recipe is ELIMINATION DIET friendly! So make a huge pot and you are set for a few days.
This is a very BASIC Khichri recipe - I will add some ‘extras’ to the notes if you want to make it more exotic OR some adaptations you can make if you are not doing the elimination diet.
Khichri
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/8 cups Basmati Rice (dry)
1 1/8 cups Dry Red Lentils
1 1/2 tsps Cumin
1 1/2 tbsps Turmeric
1 1/2 tbsps Curry Powder
1 head Cauliflower (chopped into florets)
2 Carrot (medium, diced)
6 cups Organic Vegetable Broth
1 1/2 tbsps Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tsps Sea Salt
1/3 tsp Black Pepper
1 c of spinach
1 cup Cilantro (chopped)
optional: red pepper chilli flakes or garlic chilli oil
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients, except cilantro, spinach, and optional ingredients, in your instant pot/pressure cooker. Bring to pressure and cook for 4 minutes. After 5 minutes, release the pressure manually.
Once you open your pot, mix in spinach and let it sit til it thickens (it will look VERY soupy at first.)
Divide between bowls and top with cilantro. For extra spice - sprinkle with red pepper chilli flakes or drizzle garlic chilli oil on top. Enjoy!
Notes
*Ideally you will want to soak your rice + lentils ahead of time.
* If you have whole seeds of the spices this is best - they hold their flavour better. BUT ground is totally fine!
* For this recipe, you can use any blend of veggies! (zucchini, egg plant, tomatoes, green peas)
* This recipe is VERY versatile - I used brown rice this last time when I made it because I was out of basmati. I also used green lentils.
* if you are not doing the elimination diet, add a drizzle of ghee on top!
*Delicious if served with yogurt - if you are doing the elimination diet you can serve with plain coconut yogurt.
*Some extra spices + ingredients you can add: 3 TBSP of peanuts (not if on the elimination diet), 1 tsp fenugreek, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 2 tsp ground ginger. You could also add onions + fresh garlic - no exact amounts required.
*I like to use bone broth instead of veggie broth for its gut supporting properties. You could also use half and half of each broth.
*The traditional recipe uses mung dal (split yellow lentils)
xo erin
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @erinlamb.ca on Instagram
Do you suspect food sensitivities? Are you ready to dig deep & get clear on the root cause?
I would be honoured to be your support & guide in pinpointing your food sensitivities and feeling free from your unwanted symptoms. Check out my Good Gut Method to work 1-on-1 with me!
Not sure if this program is right for you? OR want to learn more about my 1-on-1 program? Schedule a FREE 20-minute discovery call.