Khichari is a very simple dish which is beneficial for young and old alike, and is also considered to be the best option for introduction of solid food to babies. It is very nourishing and relatively easy to digest, generally not creating abdominal gas or bloating.

Moong Dal is one the most cherished foods in Ayurveda. Both rice and moong beans are easily digestible and nutritious, which make khichari a healing as well as soothing food for digestive tract. It is tridoshic; balancing all three doshas-kapha, pitta and vata and especially when cooked with spices, is appropriate for each dosha.

Ingredients for Yellow Moong Dal Khichari for Pitta Dosha:

•1cup of basmati rice
•1cup yellow moong dal
•1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
•A handful of coriander leaves chopped
•2tbs unsweetened, shredded coconut
•6cup water
•3tsp ghee
•1/4tsp salth
•1/2tsp turmeric powder

Method:
Wash the moong dal and rice. It is better to soak them for 2 hrs before cooking. Blend well the ginger, coconut, cilantro along with 1/2cup water till it becomes a paste. Heat the ghee on medium flame in a large saucepan and add the paste along with turmeric and salt. The mixture should be stirred well. The rice should be mixed well along with moong dal. To this mixture add 6cups of water. Boil this mixture uncovered for 5mins. Then cover the saucepan, leaving the lid slightly open. Lower the flame and cook for nearly 25-30mins until the dal and rice are completely cooked.

Ingredients for Green Split Moong Dal Khichari for Pitta Dosha:

•3/4 cup basmati rice
•1/2 cup green split moong dal
•1/2 tbsp ghee
•1 tsp cumin seeds
•1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
•1/4 tsp hing
•1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped (pitta)
•1/2 tsp turmeric
•1/2 tsp salt
•1/2 tsp red chilli powder
•4 cups water

Method:
Place rice and dal together in large mixing bowl. Rinse several times under running water. Drain and reserve. Set heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and add ghee or oil. When warmed, add cumin and mustard seeds (if using) and hing. Stir until seeds pop, about 30 seconds. Add chopped ginger, sauté 30 seconds. Add reserved rice and dal, turmeric, salt and chilli powder. Mix in gently. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover saucepan, reduce heat to low and cook undisturbed until tender, about 30 minutes. Switch off heat, let khichari rest 5 minutes. Fluff it up gently with a fork and serve.

Spices Beneficial for Pitta Dosha: The spices added to the khichari enhance the nutritional value on account of their medicinal qualities. Basmati Rice, split Moong beans, Cumin seed, small Cardamom, Fennel seed, Mustard seed, Turmeric powder, Coriander, Cinnamon, Rock salt, and Ghee works as a cooling agent to the digestive system.

Other Health Benefits of Khichari Moong Dal Khichari for Pitta Dosha
In Ayurveda, this mix of rice and moong beans is considered extremely easy to digest and is said to purify the digestion and cleanse the body of toxins, much like other cleansing diets. The work of the digestive system is lessened, allowing for greater healing and cleansing.

•Wholesome meal: Khichari is a balance of carbohydrate and protein. Moong beans additionally are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It has all the 10 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Freshly-cooked khichari eaten with pure cow"s ghee provides the right amount of macro-nutrients, complex carbohydrate, protein and fat. Adding vegetables to it makes it a complete meal.
•Gluten-free: People who suffer from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, cannot process gluten which is storage protein found in certain grains like wheat, rye, barley. But they can opt to eat khichari on a few days as it packs enough nutrition and yet is light and gluten-free.
•Balances dosha: This dish can be served any time of the day. It is known for its ability to detoxify the body and balance the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is a tridoshic food which has a calming effect on the body and is a staple of an Ayurvedic diet. A delicious and nourishing dish of rice, moong cooked with ghee, salt and turmeric, adding the balance of basic elements - earth and water for increasing energy and immunity, fire for stimulating digestive enzymes.
•Easy to digest: Khichari is soothing for the intestine and helps in settling an upset stomach when eaten with curd. For babies and elderly, it is a hearty meal packed with nutrients and easy to digest as both have slow metabolism and their digestive strength is weak too.