Enjoy this cleansing and nourishing Mung Dal Kitchari Ayurvedic recipe from Lalita Devi, Director of the ashram’s Well-Being Center.  Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients
1 cup mung dal
¾ cup white basmati rice
4 tablespoon ghee
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
1 tablespoon each of fennel, cumin and coriander
1 small sweet potato (1/4 inch cubes)
2 teaspoons turmeric
½ – 1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon green chili paste
1 cup semi hard veggies (green beans, stems from greens)
2 cups tightly packed chopped greens (kale, chard, spinach)
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
6 – 8 cups water

Preparation
Wash the mung dal until water is clear, drain well and set aside. Wash the rice until water is clear, drain well and set aside.

Turn stove top on to low-medium. Heat a large 4.5 quart pot. Add the ghee and oil. Heat until hot.

Sautee the ginger, then add spices and sautee. Add the sweet potato cubes, stirring to coat with spices and oils. Add a 1/2 cup of water, cover and braise for 5 minutes.

Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the mung dal and 5 cups of water. Add turmeric, salt and curry paste. Bring to boil, let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Add semi-hard vegetables (green beans, stalks from chard, kale etc) Add 1 cup of water. Bring to boil then cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes.

Add chopped greens. Bring back to boil and cook 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro. Turn off the heat and let sit.

Kitchari should be very moist, almost soupy (add more water if needed).