Kitchari | Dancing Elephant (2024)

Kitchari, a staple in Ayurvedic cuisine, is a nourishing and versatile dish that is highly regarded for its ability to balance all three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This makes it a 'tri-doshic' food, a rare classification that signifies its adaptability to any individual's unique constitution. In essence, Kitchari is a meal that caters to everyone's needs, irrespective of their physical constitution.

The core ingredients of Kitchari are typically lentils, rice, ginger, and turmeric, all cooked together with water to create a dish that's reminiscent of an Indian-style risotto. This comforting meal is often compared to the Western concept of "chicken soup for the soul" due to its soothing and nourishing properties.

The choice of lentils can vary, with different types being used based on personal preference or what's available in the kitchen. However, split, peeled mung lentils are often favored due to their easy digestibility. The addition of ginger and turmeric not only imparts a warm, earthy flavor but also enhances the dish's health benefits, given these spices' anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Kitchari is a canvas for culinary creativity, allowing for the addition of various spices and ingredients that cater to individual tastes or family traditions. This flexibility is a testament to the dish's adaptability and its central role in Ayurvedic cooking.

Kitchari | Dancing Elephant (2024)

FAQs

What does the dancing elephant mean? ›

When elephants "dance" it is the grass that suffers. The African proverb means that it is the weak that get hurt in conflicts between the powerful.

What if my Kitchari is too watery? ›

Don't worry if you have added too much water either—if the kitchari seems fully cooked but a bit loose, you can continue simmering until it has the consistency of a medium-thick porridge. Once the kitchari is cooked, remove from the heat and keep it covered.

What is the elephant a metaphor for? ›

The elephant represents our emotional side – vast, powerful, and often driven by instinct. In comparison, the rider, perched on the back of the elephant, symbolizes our rational mind – analytical, planning, but small relative to the enormous elephant.

What is the significance of the elephant in yoga? ›

Elephants have a very special meaning in Hindu India, the country where yoga originated: the god Ganesha has an elephant's head and a human body. Its large head stands for wisdom, the often very full belly for perfection.

Why is kitchari so healthy? ›

Kitchari Removes Natural Toxins from the Body

Once toxins are loosened and liquefied, it is essential that they get properly eliminated from the body. The split mung beans provide enough fiber (over 15 grams per 1-cup serving) to move these toxins through the GI tract and out of the body.

Can you lose weight eating kitchari? ›

I also love Kitchari fasting for the benefit of weight loss! A cleanse should include protein to keep blood sugar levels stable so that you feel satisfied and do not overeat. I love Kitchari fasting because it is an easy way to detox, lose weight and boost energy.

Why does kitchari cause constipation? ›

Some people will be constipated because it's a lot of carbohydrates,” says Mirchandani. By the same token, people who have stomach issues or IBD may not take well to the Kitchari Cleanse because you're introducing super fibrous foods in a more frequent fashion.

What is the symbolism of the elephant? ›

Elephants are a sacred symbol in Hindu and Buddhist religions, representing loyalty, power, wisdom, and fertility. Elephants are associated with water and rainfalls, and the shape, size, and color of their bodies are said to be symbols of clouds.

What does it mean when an elephant sways its head back and forth? ›

Two commonly recognized stereotypical behaviors exhibited by captive-held elephants are head bobbing and swaying. Elephants might engage in these behaviors when they feel unstimulated or as an anticipatory reaction to their normal routine, such as regularly scheduled access in or out of a barn or feeding time.

What did the expression seeing the elephant mean? ›

In the middle of the 19th century, the popular phrase "I have seen the elephant" referred to overcoming the adversities and hardships in one's life. A fable revolved around a farmer who heard that the circus was coming to town.

What does the 3 headed elephant symbolize? ›

represent each of the former small kingdoms of Laos: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Xieng Khouang?

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6104

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.