Yoga Life
Ayurvedic Khichdi (Sattvic One-Pot Meal)
The classic Ayurvedic khichdi from the Wholesome Living Through Food series — a warm, grounding, easily digested one-pot meal suitable for all doshas.
Ayurvedic khichdi is a simple one-pot meal of moong dal and rice, spiced gently with cumin, coriander, turmeric and ginger. Considered a complete, balancing and easily digested food in Ayurveda, it's warm, grounding and suitable for all doshas — the classic nourishing reset.
Ingredients
- 150 g moong dal
- 100 g raw rice
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
- 6 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Method
- 1
Add the moong dal and rice to a bowl, cover with water and soak for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- 2
In a pot on medium heat, warm the ghee and add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric and ginger. Saute for about 20 seconds.
- 3
Add the soaked rice and dal, the 6 cups of water and the salt, and mix well.
- 4
Bring to a boil on high for a few minutes, then cover, reduce to medium-low and cook until soft and completely done. Serve warm.
From the Wholesome Living Through Food series, this is Ayurveda's most comforting staple — a warm bowl of khichdi made simply with moong dal, rice and gentle spices. It's the classic grounding, easily digested meal.
Why it's nourishing
Ayurveda considers khichdi a complete, balancing food — the combination of moong dal and rice is easy to digest and gentle on the system, which is why it's often chosen as a light, grounding reset. It's suitable for all doshas and simple to make. This is traditional wellbeing food, not a medical treatment.
More recipes from Hema Subramanian and The Home Cooking Show →
Frequently asked questions
- Why is khichdi considered so nourishing in Ayurveda?
- Moong dal and rice together make a complete, protein-and-carbohydrate meal that's unusually easy to digest. Ayurveda regards it as balancing and grounding, and suitable for all doshas — which is why it's a go-to for a light, restful meal.
- Can I add vegetables?
- Yes — many people add gentle vegetables like carrot, courgette or spinach. Keep the spicing simple and the texture soft to keep it easy on digestion.
References
- Charaka Samhita — on light, easily digested foods for balance · Classical text — Traditional Ayurvedic context; general wellbeing, not medical advice.