My Recipe Box

Vegetable Kitchari

A comforting and nutritious Vegetable Kitchari recipe, blending split red and yellow lentils with aromatic spices and an assortment of colorful vegetables.
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EASY
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 30-40 mins
Serves: 4
Author: KofiTheGreat22

4.2 / 5 (648)


Ingredients

Grains and Legumes
  • split red lentils

    1 cup

  • split yellow lentils

    1 cup

Aromatics
  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • ginger

    1 inch

Vegetables
  • carrots

    2 medium

  • zucchini

    1 medium

  • bell pepper

    1 medium

Spices
  • cumin seeds

    a pinch

  • coriander powder

    1 teaspoon

  • turmeric

    0.5 teaspoon

  • salt

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for about 30 minutes.

    Start by rinsing the split red and yellow lentils in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water to remove any debris or impurities. Then, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them. This step helps in reducing the cooking time and makes the lentils easier to digest.

  • 2
    Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger into small pieces.

    While the lentils are soaking, prepare the aromatics. Peel and chop the onion into small, uniform pieces. Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Also, peel the ginger and grate it or chop it into small pieces. These aromatics will form the base of our Vegetable Kitchari, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

  • 3
    Sauté the aromatics in a little oil until they are softened.

    Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics until they are softened and lightly colored, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

  • 4
    Add the spices and cook for another minute.

    Once the aromatics are ready, add the coriander powder, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Let these spices cook for about a minute, allowing their flavors to meld with the aromatics. Be cautious not to burn the spices.

  • 5
    Add the drained lentils, vegetables, and enough water to cover everything.

    After the spice mixture is ready, drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot. Also, add the chopped carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients comfortably, ensuring there is enough liquid for the lentils and vegetables to cook properly. The general rule is to use at least 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils.

  • 6
    Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook, covered, until both the lentils and the vegetables are tender. This should take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the heat and the freshness of the ingredients. It’s important to check periodically to ensure the lentils are not overcooked and the vegetables retain some of their texture.

  • 7
    Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

    Once the Vegetable Kitchari is cooked, season it with salt to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt according to your preference. Finally, serve the Kitchari hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly day or as a nourishing meal any time of the year.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

329

4

183

3

103

2

32

1

1

Reviews

  • RohanS1982

    As I pondered the Vegetable Kitchari, I was reminded of the ancient wisdom that sustains us - the harmony of flavors and textures that nourish both body and soul. This recipe, a symphony of split red and yellow lentils, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, resonated deeply with my being. The gentle warmth of cumin seeds, coriander powder, and turmeric transported me to the fields of Punjab, where the sacred and the mundane blend seamlessly. While my heart yearns for the rustic charm of sarson ka saag and makki di roti, the limitations of gluten intolerance necessitate creative adaptations. Fortunately, this kitchari, with its gluten-free essence, offered a comforting solace. The preparation, a meditative process of soaking, sautéing, and simmering, seemed to echo the cyclical rhythms of life. In the end, the Vegetable Kitchari emerged as a testament to the beauty of simplicity, a reflection of the wisdom that lies in the unassuming. May it bring solace and sustenance to those who partake of it.

  • CaspianBW

    A solid, comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather. I appreciate the use of aromatic spices and a variety of colorful vegetables to add depth and texture to the kitchari. The inclusion of split red and yellow lentils provides a good source of protein and fiber. My only gripe is that the recipe could benefit from a bit more complexity - perhaps some added acidity or a spicy kick to elevate it from a straightforward, comforting meal to a truly memorable one. That being said, it's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Overall, I'd definitely make it again, but I'd like to experiment with some tweaks to take it to the next level.

  • Casp3r

    A solid, no-frills recipe for Vegetable Kitchari. I appreciate the inclusion of a variety of colorful vegetables and the straightforward instructions. As someone who's lactose intolerant, I'm glad to see no dairy products in sight. The use of split red and yellow lentils adds a nice texture and protein boost. My only quibble is that the dish could benefit from a bit more complexity in the spice department - it feels a tad too straightforward. Still, it's a comforting and nutritious option for a weeknight dinner. Overall, a reliable 4-star recipe.

  • Nalanisun

    A hearty, warming bowl of goodness - this Vegetable Kitchari recipe has won me over! As a veggie lover with a soft spot for traditional Fijian and Indian flavors, I was excited to give this dish a try. And, I'm happy to report, it did not disappoint. The combination of split red and yellow lentils, aromatic spices, and colorful veggies is absolute perfection. I mean, who doesn't love a good kitchari? The best part? It's super easy to make and is basically a hug in a bowl. My only gripe is that it could do with a bit more coconut flavor - maybe some coconut milk or shredded coconut to give it that extra oomph. But, all in all, this recipe is a winner. I'd make it again in a heartbeat, and I think you should give it a go too! It's a great option for a chilly evening or a nourishing meal any time of the year. Highly recommend!

  • MajoRo

    I love dis recipe! Vegetable Kitchari ees so delicious and easy to make. I like dat it haff many vegetables, make me feel good. I try to eat more healthy, and dis dish ees perfect. I no like dat it haff so much water, but maybe I just need to adjust to my taste. I will make dis again, and I think I will add some arepa on da side, dat way I feel more at home. My family love it too, and now we haff new favorite dish. Good job, recipe! I just wish I could make it little spicy, maybe add some ají or hot pepper, but overall, ees great.

  • AvaLovesArt

    I recently had the pleasure of trying out this Vegetable Kitchari recipe, and I must say, it was a delightful surprise! As a vegetarian with a passion for exploring Latin American cuisine, I was excited to see how this Indian-inspired dish would fare. While it didn't quite transport me to the streets of Havana or Mexico City, the combination of aromatic spices, tender lentils, and colorful vegetables was a true delight. The best part? It was incredibly easy to make and required minimal supervision, allowing me to get creative with other aspects of my meal. I did have to make a few substitutions to accommodate my lactose intolerance, but overall, the recipe shone through. I'd definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a comforting, nutritious meal that's easy on the stomach. One minor quibble: I think a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of cilantro would have elevated the dish to new heights!

  • KrisKow93

    This Vegetable Kitchari recipe seems like a decent, healthy option, but it's not really my cup of tea. As a meat-lover, I prefer traditional Polish dishes like bigos or zapiekanka. The use of lentils and vegetables is okay, but I miss the heartiness of meat in this recipe. That being said, I appreciate the simplicity and ease of preparation. Perhaps with some modifications, like adding kielbasa or bacon, this dish could be more to my liking.

  • AkiraM21

    Kitchari is like a warm hug for my stomach! I love how it combines different spices and veggies to make a super comforting dish. The lentils are so soft and yummy, like a bowl of Tonari's Ichiraku Ramen on a cold day! I'm a big fan of Japanese street food, but sometimes I need something easy and cozy, you know? This recipe is like that, but with Indian flavors! I wish it had some crispy tempura bits on top, like the ones I get at takoyaki stalls in Osaka. Overall, it's a great recipe for a chill day, and I'd make it again! ** senpai, try it out!**

  • AishP1990

    ### My Thoughts on Vegetable Kitchari Recipe I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with dis recipe! As a vegetarian who loves trying out new dishes from Indian cuisine, I was excited to give dis Vegetable Kitchari a try. And I must say, it did not disappoint! The combination of split red and yellow lentils with aromatic spices and colorful vegetables is just perfect. I appreciate how easy it is to make, and I love that it's lactose-free, which is a must for me since I'm lactose intolerant. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for a non-native English speaker like myself. I did encounter a few minor difficulties with some of the vocabulary, but overall, I was able to understand and execute dis recipe without much trouble. I especially appreciate the attention to detail in the preparation steps, such as soaking the lentils and sautéing the aromatics. The flavors in dis dish are so well-balanced and comforting. I served it with some naan bread and a side of raita (made with lactose-free yogurt, of course!), and it was just perfect. I would highly recommend dis recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal. Overall, I give dis recipe 5 stars! It's a great addition to my collection of Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, and I look forward to making it again soon.

  • rohan_2001

    This vegetable kitchari recipe was nice, but I was a little bit disapointed because I like meat in my kitchari. I ussually add some chicken or beef to my kitchari to make it more flavourful. On mondays I dont mind vegetarian food, but other days I need some meat. The spice level was okay, but I think I would add more chillies or hot sauce to give it a bit of a kick. I'm also carefull about nuts because of my allergy, and I'm glad there were no nuts in this recipe. Overall, it was a good base recipe, but I would personnalise it to my taste. Maybe next time I'll try it with some chicken or beef broth to give it more depth of flavour.

  • LWong101

    I'm obsessed with kitchari now! This comforting veggie-packed dish is basically the Indian version of a hug in a bowl. I mean, who doesn't love a good lentil-based meal? The best part? It's super easy to make, even for a culinary disaster like me. I added some Italian flair by throwing in some fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice - game. So, if you're looking for a new recipe to spice up your meal prep, give this one a try. Just don't forget the naan bread on the side... or two... or three.

  • GioGio90

    Eu amo uma boa comida caseira! Esta receita de Vegetable Kitchari é exatamente isso - confortável, nutritiva e cheia de sabores. A mistura de lentilhas vermelhas e amarelas com vegetais coloridos e especiarias aromáticas é simplesmente deliciosa. Acho que a única coisa que poderia melhorar é se tivesse um pouco mais de tempero, mas não é um problema grave. No geral, estou muito feliz com esta receita e vou certamente prepará-la novamente. É perfeita para um dia frio ou quando preciso de um pouco de conforto. Parabéns ao autor da receita!

  • GuruGGS

    This Vegetable Kitchari recipe embodies the harmony of flavors and the simplicity of a plant-based diet, resonating deeply with my spiritual and culinary inclinations. The blend of split red and yellow lentils, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, cooked with love and care, is a testament to the beauty of traditional Punjabi cuisine. The dish's emphasis on wholesome, locally-sourced ingredients and its gentle, nourishing properties aligns with the principles of a strict Sikh diet, promoting balance and well-being. As I savor each bite, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of all beings and the profound joy of mindful eating. The recipe's ease of preparation and gentle flavors make it an ideal choice for a nourishing meal, perfect for quiet contemplation and introspection.

  • JazzMaster22

    This Vegetable Kitchari recipe is a real winner! As a veggie lover, I'm always on the lookout for new, exciting dishes to try. This Indian-inspired kitchari is like a warm hug in a bowl - comforting, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. I love that it's super easy to make and customizable with your fave veggies. The combo of red and yellow lentils, aromatic spices, and colorful veggies is straight fire! I'm definitely gonna make this again and experiment with different ingredients. If you're a fellow veggie enthusiast or just looking for a healthy meal option, give this kitchari a try! Just don't forget to pair it with a cold craft beer and some gouda cheese - trust me, it's a game-changer