In order to support this change of season, which is swinging constantly between warm and cold, sunny and rainy, I suggest this Traditional Indian (ayurvedic) recipe. It is easy to make, satisfying - real comfort food, without the guilt - and with so many benefits:
It stabilizes digestion, detoxes the liver, improves the agni (vital energy, and digestive fire). It also heals the intestinal wall.
It is vegan, and contains complete proteins (or rather a complete chain of amino acids, thanks to the combination of a cereal and a legume)
There are many recipes, probably as many as families in India ! I have chosen (tested and proved) the following one :
Indian kicharee (for 4 people)
The recipe is from the "Recette ayurvédique faciles" book, by Janet Gomez. It is very simple, does not require many ingredients, and it is done very quickly. It is ideal when you come back from work and you do not want to spend too much time cooking!
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time : 20 min
Ingredients
100 g basmati rice
100 g mung dal Indian lentils (or red lentils)
200 g seasonal vegetables (I have chosen carrots and fennel)
2 cm fresh ginger
1/4 tsp tumeric
1/2 lemon juice
1 tsp cumin (in powder)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, rather in winter)
raisins (optional)
4 Tbsp coconut oil
water (2.5 as much as the rice and lentils)
cilantro
Preparation
Rinse the rice and lentils (red or moon dahl/mung dal) until the water is clear (at least 4 times)
Cut the vegetables in pieces.
Remove the skin from the ginger and cut in small dice
Place rice, lentils, vegetables and ginger in a pot (or rice cooker)
Add the lemon juice, cumin, salt and tumeric
Stir well
Add a handful of raisins (optional), the oil and water
Stir well.
Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 20-30 min).
Here you go! Just serve and savor!
You can add some fresh cilantro
(excellent detoxifying herb), and add a few drops lemon or salt to taste.
Kitcharee, which is balancing, strengthening, is also perfect when you are sick, sad, are doing a detox, or simply when you do not have time or energy to cook, when yo your return from a trip, when you need to regain your strength.
You will see how this easy dish is satisfying and easy to digest.
Enjoy!