Ayurveda is one of the oldest preventative health systems originating in India about 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda recognizes that we each have a unique mind-body-spirit constitution, or dosha.

Understanding our doshas guides us to stay in balance by allowing us to customize our lifestyle practices including our dietary choices for optimal wellness. An old Ayurvedic proverb states “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” The foods we eat and how we digest our foods are considered one of the pillars of health in Ayurveda. Here I’m sharing a one-pot dish called kitchari. Often kitchari is made with basmati rice and split mung bean and is included as part of an Ayurvedic rejuvenating cleanse. Kitchari can also be enjoyed on a regular basis using a variety of grains. I’m sharing a Quinoa Kitchari recipe that balances all the doshas.

1. Soak the moong dal in water for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse.

2. Prepare spices: If using whole seeds, grind using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Place ½ cup of water and fresh ginger in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

3. Preheat a medium saucepan on the stove top. Add your ghee and let it melt. Add the ground coriander, cumin, fennel, black pepper, and long pepper. Sauté for seven seconds, being careful not to burn ground spices.

4. Add split mung beans and quinoa to the pan and sauté for a few seconds. Add vegetables including any tough greens such as kale, collard greens, or mustard greens (save delicate leafy greens and fresh herbs for later) and Himalayan salt, then stir.

5. Add water along with ginger water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat to a low simmer and cook covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked completely. You may need to add additional hot water to prevent burning. The consistency should be soft and creamy.

6. Add your delicate green vegetables such as spinach and parsley, then stir and cook for another five minutes.

7. Serve with toppings and additional seasonings to taste. Enjoy!